Journey grew up in an all women household- excluding her father. She was always encouraged to learn how to start and complete tasks independently. To be self sufficient was very important to the family as they believe it is a necessary quality to have to grow as a person; to gain experience and confidence. She has always been a hands-on person and enjoyed spending time on something, then seeing the result.

In high school, Journey was enrolled in arts related classes such as theatre and vocals. It wasn’t until later in high school that she took shop classes and learned about ADSB’s House Building Program through SalDan’s Site Supervisor, Shea Macgillivray. Journey has known Shea previous as she is a long-time friend with her older sister. The family had asked Shea to help them with the process of building a deck, which she happily accepted. While working on the deck, Journey assisted and watched as she found the process fascinating. The two discussed Shea’s background and how she began her career in the trades- through the House Building Program, sponsored by SalDan. The following school year, Journey transferred to White Pines to enroll into the House Building Program. “The only regret I have about entering the program was not doing it earlier” she explained.

Journey has loved the experience. Working on real jobs sites has motivated Journey to try all things construction. “Even if it’s something that I know is going to be challenging, I do my best and learn from mistakes”. During her first semester this year, Journey worked as a labourer and shadowed Shea during phase 7 of SalDan’s Crestwood Subdivision. “Having someone like Shea was comforting because she was always honest with me and gave me constructive criticism”. She explained that although she has received some comments about her being a young woman in construction, her co-workers and peers have been supportive and motivating. “There is always going to be someone that has something to say. It honestly just makes me want to prove them wrong and do a better job”.

Challenges that she has encountered is building up her upper body strength and being outside all day long. Over time Journey noticed that her stamina and strength had grown and allowed her to push herself physically. Because she is a red head and fair skinned, she is much more sensitive to the sun and can experience sun sickness. “I feel as though it can be annoying to some as it’s not a common issue that people see. It can be inconvenient, but I try to be aware of when I’ve been out for too long, I wear sunglasses and my hard hat help block the sun too”.

Finishing up her last semester, Journey is excited to work with SalDan in the summer while she works on applying to Sault College for their Civil Engineering Technician program. The 2-year program covers roadway design, construction techniques, electronic surveying, municipal services, and much more. This will help Journey gain further real-world experiences and make connections within the trades.

Journey encourages everyone to try out the trades if you are a hard worker and wanting to work with your hands. She believes that anyone is capable if they are determined and willing to learn.

Holly’s background and education consists of the arts, culture, and communications. She was an active student at White Pines who volunteered her time as lead in the yearbook committee and student council. Holly completed her co-op placement with the Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre and was part of the organizing committee for the 2014 Energy Opportunities Conference. She graduated with a Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture.

She continued her education by enrolling in Sault College’s Graphic Design Program where she won the First Year Merit Award and had the opportunity to work with Cavera Inc, a local marketing and branding company here in the Sault. She continued to do smaller design work on the side while working customer service for several years.

After 4 months of the first lockdown due to COVID-19, Holly started searching elsewhere for work. With connections to SalDan employee’s, a new opportunity made its way to her.

“Although I knew a handful of employees who worked for SalDan, I never considered working with the company before.” She admitted that it was intimidating at first. She started her career in the Media end of things, taking care of SalDan’s website, social media platforms, running errands, etc. 

As she progressed, she started to become more involved in the development side and working with new homeowners in their house selections and warranty. “It made me realize how many moving pieces there are that make this company work. The attention to detail and communication is very important for the builds to progress smoothly. To be a part of the SalDan’s home developments can be nerve racking at times, but over all very fulfilling.”

Holly is now the Communications Coordinator and Customer Relations Representative at SalDan Construction Group. She works closely with the site supervisors and site manager to ensure that they are provided with homeowner’s selections and requests. She continues to work with homeowners after the closing of their homes through Tarion’s New Home Warranty. 

“I have learned a lot about the process of building a home such as the permit applications, locates, materials, and phases within construction”.

Even though she may not be physically building the homes, she communicates important information that supports those out on the sites. She continues to learn new things every day and is grateful for her co-worker’s and employer’s support.

I became interested in the trades watching my grandfather working on his home doing renovations or other projects. I enjoyed helping him and learning how to use the power tools. I took wood shop classes in high school which then progressed into taking the ADSB house building program, which is sponsored by SalDan Construction Group. Taking the program really turned me to the idea of making construction my career. SalDan helped me further my experience and develop my skills. 

The ADSB House Building Program was what really allowed me to set the foundation for my career. I learned theory along with hands-on experience; building a home from the ground up is not something all students have the opportunity to do. It was exciting and motivated me to continue my journey in the trades.

The world of construction is so busy. Constantly learning and facing new challenges keeps things interesting for me. I enjoy working outside and being hands-on, so this field of work is perfect for me. Now that I am the Site Supervisor for SalDan’s current sub-division development, I have a greater appreciation for the work that goes into running a job site.

I have been very fortunate to work with very supportive and motivating coworkers. They have been patient and willing to take their time in teaching me the “tricks of the trade”. I have faced challenges such as learning new tasks and becoming fast and efficient in all that I do. Overall, having a company and co-workers that show respect and equality is a major reason I am able to continue my growth in construction.

I believe that there has been a shift in the way people perceive those who decide to work in construction. We continue to see young women enroll and try out the House Building Program through ADSB, which has been great. I also have noticed that going into the trades and going through with apprenticeships is a more common topic now a days. Although it is something that can still be seen as “non-traditional”, it’s not as prominent as it used to be.

If you are interested and motivated to join the trades, do it! You are more than capable. Even if the trades end up not being something that you want to take on as a career, it can equip you with amazing skills. You learn a lot of practical information and techniques. Be confident and if you make a mistake, keep trying and ask lots of questions!

I believe that it is important to recognize that construction can be for many different people. It is a stigma that the trades are for men and that women are not capable of the same things. There are plenty of people within the industry that can do one trade, and not so much the other! This goes for anything in life, really. Throughout history, construction has been deemed a “men’s world”. Now a days, I believe that society is doing a better job at shedding light on the fact that your gender does not dictate what you are capable of. Hence “Women in Construction Week” now being shared and supported all around the world.

Along with Women In Construction Week, today is International Women’s Day! Today is a time to raise awareness towards gender equality; to reflect on the progress that’s been made so far, and what work remains.

National Women’s Day began back in the early twentieth century. The labour movements in North America and Europe started up the call for women’s equal participation in society. The first Women’s Day took place on March 19th, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. The amount of support was overwhelming, with over a million women and men participating in public events. The following years, the day was celebrated by more and more countries. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year, and began celebrating March 8th as International Women’s Day.

The world of construction and the trades has been predominantly male since the beginning of time. SalDan is a proud supporter of women working in the trades and has encouraged young women to take on construction as a career. They have sponsored the House Building Program through Algoma District School Board in Sault Ste. Marie for many years and continue to help share the message that more women are wanted and needed in construction. 

Both SalDan’s Health and Safety Coordinator and Site Supervisor are successful young women who have completed the ADSB House Building Program and continued their education through Sault College. To start off Women In Construction Week, we shared Chelsee Bye’s story and how she began her journey in construction. You can read that here.

For the next 3 days, we will continue to highlight some of the women we have had a pleasure working with who hold very important roles within SalDan. Make sure to follow us on our social media to hear more about their success.

I began as a high school student in the ADSB Student House Building Program where I then graduated with a Specialist High Skills Major in Construction. I Began working full time with SalDan as a general laborer and then as an Administrator and Health and Safety Coordinator. Then, completed my Health and Safety Certificate from Sault College.

I enjoy being outdoors and working with my hands so I was interested in being a General Laborer. Being able to walk away from a job and see immediate progression was fulfilling.

The Health and Safety Coordinator position interested me because I can still work outdoors and interact with the workers and continuously learn from them. I have always been a safety-conscious person, so it was a fitting position.

My job entails organizing health and safety training, conducting site inspections, distributing health and safety related information, assisting in the ongoing review of SalDan’s health and safety program, acting as a health and safety resource within the company, etc.

 

I enjoy the versatility my job provides. I have never had the same day twice. I love being outside interacting and learning from the workers on a daily basis. The amount of growth endured over the course of my employment in the construction industry has been the most rewarding aspect of my job.

Being a general laborer was physically challenging at times. Being a Health and Safety Coordinator can be challenging as the industry regulations and standards are always changing/improving so you really must stay on top of it.

Enrolling in the ADSB House Building Program and working as a general laborer with SalDan has given me the experience I needed to do renovations on my home by myself, which are 85% completed now without hiring out. I look forward to continuing gaining experience in the construction industry to further my knowledge and skills for both my career and at home.  

 

Being a new young female worker in the construction industry has surely been challenging. I overcome them by doing my job as efficiently as possible and working to the best of my ability every day.   

I recommend the construction industry to women because it is rewarding physically and financially and it is gratifying. There are so many different avenues in the construction industry that allows for endless opportunities.  

For other young people interested in the industry: be versatile, embrace challenges, and work to the best of your ability at everything you do. Keep your head up, always.

Last night, Algoma University held a Special Virtual: John R. Rhodes Scholarship Celebration Premiere. This event celebrates the achievements and community leadership of the honorees over the past 19 years at their John R. Rhodes Scholarship Dinner.

SalDan is proud to have been the sponsor of this celebration, as we truly believe in supporting education and that the student’s are our future. Although we were all unable to attend in person, we were able to tune in over a Zoom Conference and show our support.

Thank you Algoma University, for hosting this event and for giving us a chance to support your students.