In honour of International Women's Day, we are shining the spotlight on the only woman currently enrolled in our Gas Technician course in St. Catharines: Alexa Spione.
About a year ago, Alexa was laid off from her job as an aircraft maintenance engineering apprentice. While she was between jobs, she began working with her father, a master plumber and owner of Performance Plumbing and Heating. After working in her new trade for a month, Alexa realized that this was the career she wanted to pursue and that The Skilled Trades Academy was the right school to get her the education she needed.
Check out what Alexa had to say about her experience as a woman in the skilled trades in Ontario!
What made you decide to pursue a career in the skilled trades? Why gas fitting in particular?
"I knew I had to pick a career that was very hands on, I'd probably go insane working a desk job. So I figured, "Why not get into to something that's going to not only going to benefit me financially, but in a way that I can take care of myself, by myself?" Gas fitting will be a great to me benefit me because I am already a plumbing apprentice. Knowledge is never wasted."
What made you decide to attend The Skilled Trades academy?
Locally, it's a great opportunity for me to expand my mechanical knowledge. With my employer's of 32 years experience and Niagara Skilled Trades Academy's track record, I believe I have a strong team to help me advance in the trades. Having more hands-on experience under my belt will not only broaden my knowledge but benefit my future.
Did you have any anxieties about a career in the trades before you made the decision? How did you overcome those anxieties?
Of course!! I have anxiety in everything I do, so this decision didn't help that very much. I was very nervous to not only start a new career but change careers. I actually didn't think I could do it. What kept me going was that at the end of this crazy road it will all pay off. All this hard work will have all been done for a good reason.
What is it like for you to be pursuing a career as a gas technician as a woman?
It's odd, it's a mix between the very new and strangely familiar. I think it's different for people to see a woman coming up to their house to install or repair something, when most commonly you'd see a man.
Did you know any women in the trades before you decided to attend The Skilled Trades Academy?
You know come to think of it, I don't know any!
You are in the middle of your training right now, how is it going?
It's going really well. There's a ton of information to process — a little of what I already knew and a whole lot of what I didn't. And as an added bonus Brent, my instructor, is awesome!
Are there any other women in your class right now?
No they're aren't, I'm usually a lone wolf in that department.
What are you goals after you complete the program?
To facilitate the enhancement of my career so and continue on with my family's business.
What advice do you have for other women who are thinking of pursuing a skilled trades career?
Going into a "man's" trade can get very intimidating but the main goal, and what I keep telling myself, is it will benefit you and your future. Try not to get caught up on not fitting in. Feeling out of place is normal at first but knowledge is power and it'll give you the confidence you think you're missing.
It's more of a challenge for woman to be accepted in the skilled trades but when you know your stuff, it makes for an exciting interaction. I feel that I will have the potential to be equal to or better than men in the trades.
What advice do you have for other women who are thinking of attending The Skilled Trades Academy?
The instructors are fun and informative and they will take the time if you don't understand something. So if you're worried about anything, don't be!