My name is Ladaria Scott, from the Kinistin Saulteaux Nation in Saskatchewan under the Treaty Four territory. I am 27 years old and became independent at a young age who bounced between Saskatchewan and Alberta as I grew. I now live in Edmonton, Alberta working on my first-year welder apprenticeship. Making Edmonton my long-term home and plan on becoming a Red Seal recognized Journeyman Welder.
Growing up moving home to home, I always knew I wanted to take care of myself and have my own home. I feel like this has helped shaped me in realizing so young that I needed to be working or going to school. I’ve have been working to support myself and made mistakes along the way. This led me through my rock bottom phase that cost me everything I had accomplished for myself. Thinking about this experience helps me move forward every day and enjoy my own space sober.
Before I found Trade Winds, I was working in camp as a housekeeper working long hours and making good money. I wanted change and I always knew I wanted to become a welder or a mechanic. Becoming a welder was the goal of path I really wanted peruse so this is where I am today.
Currently, I’m working in a Fabrication shop with the Local 488 union that helped get me this position due to my recognition from the school’s union. Allowing me to gain work experience in my choice of trade while earning hours for my first year of apprenticeship with AIT.
Trade Winds also helped prepare me for the technical training education, gave me lots motivational support, helped me with collecting safety tickets through the Alberta Pipe Trades Collage and AICCC, even helped me with public transportation ticket fare when I needed.
Being able to attend Trade Winds to Success Pre- apprentice first ever Welder program is a blessing that what seemed I long-waited for and so greatly appreciative of. I would definitely recommend to any person who wants to join the trades. This program helped me finally get my foot in the door!
