A TRU Women In Construction Trades Training Course, provided by the Industry Training Authority of B.C., was held over the past three months at the North Thompson Agriplex in Barriere. The course came to a close on Friday, Aug. 13, with a completion ceremony for the five young women who have wholeheartedly embraced construction trades as a career choice.
Lisa Dredge, Jobelle Gagnon, Erin Johnson, Cassie Smith and Jessica Sterling worked incredibly hard of the 13 week period learning carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. A large part of the course included safety procedures such as traffic, aerial work, platforms, tools and equipment, plus government regulations and requirements.
TRU Associate Director of Community Education and Workforce Training Heather Hamilton said she was “incredibly proud” of what the five course participants had accomplished in such a short time.
TRU Carpentry Instructor, Glenn Smith said he really enjoyed teaching the course and found the fairgrounds “a good place to hold class”.
He also commented his view for the future would be, “Ten or twenty years from now we will be saying ‘people in trades’.”
Barriere and Area Chamber of Commerce office manager Lianne Hamblin received special thanks for taking on the role of ITA Women In Trades Coordinator. Hamblin said she had found herself being a den mother, an advocate for the participants, a voice of reason when required, and had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Course participant Erin Johnson said, “I really appreciate everyone who put this program together. I never thought I’d be into trades, but now that I’ve gone through the program and look towards the future I’m pretty excited about it.”
__________________
Like us on Facebook