This Woman’s Work
Carrying the torch, saw, and shears, sisters are doing it for themselves. Writer and photographer Jenny Bateman rolled up her sleeves alongside nine local ladies making the grade in trades.
Playing with Fire — 19-year-old Gabi Erven found her love of welding in high school as a creative outlet, and it sparked a fulfilling career path. Jenny Bateman Photo
“Nothing personal. It’s just that you’re a woman.” Kate Braid has certainly heard those words before. In the 1970s, the now-accomplished writer and teacher entered the carpentry industry, with both positive and plenty of negative reception from those around her. Despite the skepticism she faced, she went on to become one of the first qualified women carpenters in British Columbia, and the first woman to teach construction full time at the BC Institute of Technology.
Even though much progress has been made since the 1970s, non-traditional trades for women — such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation — still see only 8.7% representation. These low numbers might be explained by hesitancy of entering a male-dominated industry, and a lack of support for newcomers.
Recognizing these challenges, organizations like the BC Center for Women In The Trades (BCCWITT) are working to address the gender gap by providing support, resources, and connections for equity-priority individuals. Through training opportunities, funding initiatives, and government-backed programs, BCCWITT aims to increase the representation of these individuals in trades to 15% by 2030.
Skilled trades play a crucial role in our economy and society. Trades reach almost every aspect of our lives: the homes we live in, the cars we drive, the food we eat. It’s reported that 1 in 5 employed Canadians work in a skilled trade, and the majority of them report high job satisfaction.
For those interested in pursuing a career in the trades but unsure which path to take, College of the Rockies in Cranbrook has been offering a Trades Sampler Program since 2021. Since its inception, enrolment has increased from six to 16 women. Once students have an idea of which trade they want to pursue, they can reach out to BCCWITT for assistance in attaining their goal of becoming a skilled tradesperson.
By leaning on support structures like these, and looking to other women pursuing fulfilling careers in skilled trades, women can be more resourced than ever — and go on to succeed in the industry they choose. The Trench spoke with nine East Kootenay women who have done exactly that.
In her book Journeywoman: Swinging a Hammer in a Man’s World, Braid aptly quoted the great American artist and draftswoman, Georgia O’Keeffe: “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life — and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.”
Marlo Salanski
AGE: 30
TRADE(S): Farrier
At what age did you first pick up a tool out of curiosity? What was it and why were you drawn to it? I was probably around 15, and had my own horse that had trust issues with other people. I picked up a pair of nippers and a rasp, and my farrier at the time had taught me how to trim my gelding.
What’s the hardest job you’ve had so far? The hardest part of the job was learning how to deal with my human clients, and taking care of the horses’ needs.
What’s the most interesting or fun part of your job? I enjoy trying to correct horses’ feet that may have had poor farrier work, or have been left too long in between trims. It’s a slow process, but rewarding.
What advice do you have for women thinking about the trades or making a career change? It’s empowering to work hard as a woman and excel in a trade. It’s a challenge, but the reward is worth all the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it.
When you’re not hard at work, what hobbies or activities are you doing? I love riding horses and working cattle, doing pack trips in the mountains, and travelling the world to experience new cultures and cuisines.
Nateesha Johnson
AGE: 19
TRADE(S): Carpenter
Why did you choose to pursue this trade? I wanted to build my families' homes, and to build my own home one day.
What is your favourite tool of the trade and why? My skill saw. It’s very handy for any type of project.
Who inspires you? My grandpa, by teaching me so many skills in life.
What’s the hardest job you’ve had so far? It’s not difficult, but dealing with insulation is very itchy.
When you were in your teens or twenties, did you see yourself working in the trades? Yes. I had a goal to receive my Red Seal. I’m motivated by doing what I love and being outside.
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? Being in the trades makes you feel like a powerful woman. I like the thought of being one of those women who work really hard.
Caitlyn Birdsell
AGE: 34
TRADE(S): Chocolatier / Pastry Chef
What is your favourite tool of the trade and why? I remember baking chocolate chip cookies with my mom when I was little and loving to get to use the hand mixer. These days, I love using the torch to get the perfect bruleé or to add some heat to get icing to come together.
Who inspires you? Both my mom and grandma are excellent bakers. I love recreating my grandma's old recipes.
What’s the hardest job you’ve had so far? I worked in a bakery in Vancouver with a very skilled and very stern chef. There was never quite enough time to make all the orders!
What’s the most interesting job you’ve had so far? I met my now sister-in-law when I was a teenager, and we dreamed of opening a bakery together one day. Now we're living it! So that's pretty cool.
When you’re not hard at work, what hobbies or activities are you doing? I love to mountain bike, make art, and drink cocktails on patios.
Kirsten Van Breevoort
AGE: 30
TRADE(S): Refrigeration & Gas Fitting
Why did you choose to pursue this trade? It was the most diverse trade that allowed me to teach more skill sets in the underdeveloped countries where I volunteered.
Who inspires you? My whole family. My mom was a home economics teacher; Dad a custom homebuilder; one brother is a welder and fine finishing painter; the other is an industrial electrician and an electrical engineer; my sister is a chef.
What’s the most interesting job you’ve had so far? Probably going into a private winery in Kelowna that had 24 karat gold tiles in the bathroom.
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? It can be emotionally taxing beyond what you might expect. Find a woman you are inspired by in a trade and ask them to mentor you emotionally and practically through the apprenticeship years. Ask her things like, “Was it a realistic expectation for me to work in that condition?” or, “I didn’t feel safe when this happened, what would you do?”
When you’re not hard at work, what hobbies or activities are you doing? I love to dance! Lyrical freestyle or ballroom are my current two favourites.
Lisa Huth
AGE: 45
TRADE(S): Welder & Blacksmith
Why did you choose to pursue this trade? It was a path that wasn’t expected, but that was put in front of me. Once I tried welding, I really enjoyed it and I worked hard to become quite good at it. Blacksmithing was an instant love at the anvil.
At what age did you first pick up a tool out of curiosity? What was it, and why were you drawn to it? My dad used to get us to pull nails out of boards, so I guess the first tool I used was a hammer. He always encouraged my sister and I to use tools and work hard.
When you were in your teens or twenties, did you see yourself working in the trades? In Grade 10 I took mechanics, and that was the first time I considered skilled trades. But sadly, back then it was never brought up as an option for me. However, I started my own business at 24 years old — and I’ve been really happy with my choice!
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? I think trades are awesome! Reach out and talk to some women in the trade you’re considering. You’ll find that most are very willing to offer help and advice.
When you’re not hard at work, what hobbies or activities are you doing? I love being outside, so you will often find me in my garden, or on my ATV or snowmobile, enjoying our four seasons with my family.
Gabi Erven
AGE: 19
TRADE(S): Welding
Why did you choose to pursue this trade? I first found my love for welding in my high school shop class. I think it appealed to me because I could be creative — and who doesn't like playing with fire?
Who inspires you? My welding instructor in college taught me a lot, as well as a former foreman at my workplace. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be the welder I am today without them.
What’s the hardest job you’ve had so far? Although I’m very capable at welding, a big challenge for me at work is that I’m 5'3" — and sometimes there are large pieces of equipment I need help moving.
When you were in your teens, did you see yourself working in the trades? I always knew I wanted to work in a workforce that was very hands-on, so the trades route came quite naturally.
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? It may sound cliché, but just do it! Your first level of schooling will take less than a year, and the tuition is cheap. The best part is that while you are doing your apprenticeship to become certified, you’re also getting paid.
Robyn Giesbrecht
AGE: 30
TRADE(S): Plumbing & Gas Fitting
Why did you choose to pursue this trade? My father is a plumber and gasfitter and I was working for him as a labourer. He asked me one day if I wanted to get my apprenticeship, and I said sure!
What is your favourite tool of the trade and why? I own two sets of Knipex pliers that I use on almost every job. They’re tough, and aside from using them on fittings and such, I have even used them on stripped screws. They work fabulously.
What’s the hardest job you’ve had so far? Replacing polybutylene water lines in a 65-unit retirement village, without help. It wasn’t physically demanding, but there were a lot of them.
What’s the most interesting job you’ve had so far? I worked at a provincial campground getting the water system set up for the year, and I like replacing furnaces because they’re all different and always have challenges.
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? Do it! You’ll never be out of work. I have always said that I have to be twice as good as a man to be taken half as seriously, unfortunately. However, it’s definitely getting easier.
Amanda Barron
AGE: 35
TRADE(S): Carpentry
At what age did you first pick up a tool out of curiosity? What was it, and why were you drawn to it? I was probably 10 when I took it upon myself to put together a small bookshelf for my room. It was a Phillips screwdriver, and I loved the idea that I could create something with my hands.
What’s the hardest job you’ve had so far? I started my trades journey as an apprentice pipefitter, and the commercial work in the oilfield was by far the most mentally and physically strenuous job I’ve done thus far.
When you were in your teens or twenties, did you see yourself working in the trades? In my teens I wanted to be a mechanic, so I always knew I wanted to be in the trades. It just took me a few tries to find the one that fit me best.
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? Don’t give up. There will be a lot of opposition, but the road we’re paving and the barriers we’re breaking down are for future generations. Also, don’t be afraid to be feminine on site. We can be both strong and beautiful!
When you’re not hard at work, what hobbies or activities are you doing? When I’m not swinging a hammer and crawling through the rafters, I like to write and play music. I’m also a mother of two beautiful girls, and we’re often out riding bikes in the mountains.
Sarah White
AGE: 39
TRADE(S): Barber Stylist
Why did you choose to pursue this trade? I chose my trade because I always knew I wanted to work for myself, and I love making people feel beautiful. When I was about seven, I started learning how to do my own hair and I always wanted it to look nice — it didn’t matter what I was wearing, as long as my hair looked good!
When you were in your teens or twenties, did you see yourself working in this trade? The first job I ever had was at age 13 answering phones and booking clients in a salon. I became a licensed stylist at 18, and it was the only career I ever wanted! I have always worked in this industry.
What advice do you have for women considering the trades or making a career change? Do it! Even if it’s not a full-time career, there is so much value to being able to work with your hands, potentially make your own hours, and even open your own business. The opportunities are endless.
When you’re not hard at work, what hobbies or activities are you doing? If I’m not behind the chair, you can find me with my family boating at the lake in summer, in the forest during hunting season, or at the Kimberley ski hill in the winter!
~ Jenny Bateman - Writer & Photographer
Find this full-length story and more in The Trench’s Summer + Fall 2024 edition: