My name is Lisa Fitzsimmons and I am Métis of the Métis Nation of Alberta. I found out about Trade Winds from Rupersland Institute when I was inquiring about what programs where available to get me employed. I was really excited and motivated to enroll in the Trades Wind to Success program. I always wanted to get into the pipe trades since my early twenties and never had the opportunity.
I was fortunate for this opportunity, and I pursued it. I expected to work hard, gain knowledge and experience different parts of the pipe trades. With the opportunity, I gained knowledge and hands on experience I never had before.
My biggest challenge was getting into the trades in general. It was more difficult to get into the trades as a woman and being Indigenous. This awesome program has opened doors, opportunities, and has given me the confidence to face my journey of adversity. If I ever had this opportunity to do this again, I definitely would do it all over again. This awesome program is well worth it, and I had a great experience with the union UA 488 teaming with Trade Winds to Success. The Staff were very helpful with a lot of information. This mentally prepared us for the apprenticeship entrance exam / first year exams of our trade.
My Grandmother was a residential school survivor and helped raised me. I have healed from verbal, physical abuse and childhood trauma. I have overcome dyslexia and post-traumatic stress disorder. I was a foster child, and was fortunate to have a great foster mother who I keep in touch with and has been a great mentor to me. Graduating from high school, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces that gave me great skills and discipline. With the support from my loving husband, we have both raised, educated our children to be opened minded and become successful. This Trade Winds to Success program has helped me overcome barriers and get employment into the pipefitter/steamfitter apprenticeship.
If given the opportunity, I will definitely encourage and mentor other Indigenous individuals to apply for this well supported program. Trades Winds to Success has given me a new direction, a career and supported me to continue my journey. This new opportunity will positively impact me, my family, friends, and community from this day forward.
Words of Wisdom: ” We as aboriginal people still have to fight to prove that we are straight out plain human beings, the same as everyone else.” by Neville Bonner. “He or she stands lives; he or she who sits perishes.” by Māori Proverb. “Stay positive, never give up or quit” by Lisa Fitzsimmons.
I want to thank all my mentors, especially Trade Winds to Success, Rupertsland Institute, Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre and Local 488 Plumbing and Pipefitters Union for helping me to obtain employment as a first year Steamfitter Apprentice.
