When I had realized I was starting to go through the path of drinking everyday, suffering from depression and anxiety, that’s when I was at a crossroads in my life. When a family member who had recently finished the Trade Winds carpentry program, I had found out they were offering the electrical pre-apprentice program, which I believe was a win on my behalf, as I’ve always wanted to become an electrician. I remember being so excited about this opportunity.
When I showed up for the first day of class, I was one of the youngest there—completely terrified. But Trade Winds to Success gave me the courage to step out of my shell and grow throughout my time in the program.
I faced challenges along the way, especially financially. There was a solid month where my employment insurance didn’t come through, and I had no income or support. Thankfully, the program manager stepped in and helped me navigate the financial side of things. I was determined to finish, and I pushed through to the end, successfully completing the program. Living on my own for the first time, I also got support with finding employment, which was a huge help!
I recently completed my first year of schooling and have now accumulated enough hours to move on to my second year. As an Indigenous woman in the trades, I know I am sometimes overlooked, but there are people who recognize what I bring to the table. That support and recognition push me to keep going.
Recently, I was robbed of all my tools and power tools. It was a devastating blow, especially while I was already under pressure with my studies. At that moment, I felt like giving up on my career. I had spent two years collecting those tools—some were even gifted to me and held deep personal meaning. But I realized I had to keep going, to persevere despite the setback.
Receiving a scholarship is giving me the chance to rebuild, to replace my tools, and to take a step forward in the right direction. It’s helping me stay on the path toward completing my Red Seal certification, the goal I’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Trade Winds has helped me become the outgoing person I am today, with such a glowing personality. Anxiety was always a problem, but as I learned on site, you really need some thick skin. Choosing this trade, I still love it with a passion. As people say, if you love 75% of your career and don’t like 25% of it, it’s a perfect fit for you. Of course there’s difficulties, in which you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I hope my story will give others looking for reasons to get into the trade an inspiration. We as women are strong and it’s not scary being that woman on site. Showing all the men up. You are paving the way for generations to follow making it easier for your fellow sisters.
