volume 1 fall 2013

Find meaningful work Ryan Murphy health & fitness: is not a man Physical work doesn’t equal Physical Natural Fitness building

The importance of Tax planning letter from the editor

“Be true to who you are. We have to fit into this out in the next other world and be true to who we are. That’s couple of weeks contents the challenge.” in our website and Facebook page, so Through sharing the stories of other women keep checking in!). working in the construction industry or with a hese words were spoken to me only months After spending craft, We hope that you will find what you need to ago by an amazing Journeyman Plumber/ eight years in get to work or tell another woman about what t Pipefitter, and advocate for women in the more than 20 you’ve learned. trades, Tamara Pongracz. Although I wish I countries, I began had been able to hear these words when I started my my career as a tile journey into the construction industry, I’m elated that setter because I other women can now read them and embark on a was so enamored personal challenge to join this amazing industry filled and interested in 3 letter from the editor with upcoming opportunities for students, employees, the infrastructure Jill Drader and especially, business owners. in other countries. These smart trucking with Working in the construction industry isn’t easy. A pink 23 infrastructures catherine macmillan portable toilet and pink hard hats haven’t eliminated were built the fact that the industry itself is cyclical, and like the 10 education institutes hundreds and thousands of years ago and were still 4 economy, it isn’t as predictable as we would like to in western canada standing. Today, that is my hope with Women in Work believe it is. When it’s good, it’s good. However, in a meaningful work with Boots. The stories on the website are inspirational, 24 time of recession or downturns, it’s a struggle. While alla guelber motivating and powerful enough to enthuse those pregnant with my first son, I was let go from my position that are still generations away. I want the women who Moxie trades by as a tile setter (yes, it’s legal to do this!) just a few hours 6 follow me down the path of the trades industry to read marissa mcTasney, shy of earning my Journeyman certification. Although it about the amazing women I have met and interviewed– WOrk wear for women FEEL THINK DO with was a good decision, considering the fumes from 27 women who love their work, love the careers they’ve jane cooper paints and spray foams from the commercial created for themselves and love the environments they environment I was working in, it kicked this mama bear A letter from work in, they want to tell others about the journey they 7 into survival mode. Quickly I realized that there must be okanagan college’s each took to get where they’re at now; helping women a way to stay positive, involved in the industry, and also nancy darling find education programs, apprenticeships, employers, the ‘t’ cover letter answer the questions from all the women who asked 28 businesses and create meaningful work. And now that with debbie mastel me about what I do, and how I got there. this infrastructure has been created and built through Kate Braid: Author, 8 And so, during my back-to-back maternity leaves, these stories and experiences; it can be built upon and speaker, journeyman still be here in hundreds of years. carpenter. Women in Work Boots was born. The challenge of Money, taxes, and being a female Journeyman tile setter, educator and 30 I welcome you to the first edition of Women in Work organization with trying to create a network for women in the trades krista zeidler Boots Magazine, and THANK YOU for joining us! Ryan Murphy was tremendous. And then I became a mother to two 12 construction Q&A amazing little boys— phew, two full time jobs! with lara and karen physical work doesn’t 32 But this need for our stories and experiences as women Jill Drader equal physical fitness in the construction industry to be shared and told in a with jari love natural building positive light to encourage more women to consider ______16 with carly slade and the industry as an auspicious career option was heather noakes nUTRITIONAL SNACK overwhelming, as was the request for more information, 34 IDEAS for your more resources, more stories and more support. Please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ toolbox from sarah Now, our Facebook page has grown to more than 700 womeninworkboots and tell us what you like and want women of the building remmer followers, our website has had thousands of hits, and to see more of! 20 we are still so happy to be able to help and support trades unions with To contact Jill Drader, feel free to email her at jamie mcmillan women who currently are our desire to be working in the industry. We’re also growing to support trades people [email protected]. who are in business, or want to build a more solid business (more information about this will be coming 4 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 5 educational

5. Women Building Futures (www. womenbuildingfutures.ca) Based in Edmonton Alberta, this 10 school is leading the way for trades training for women. institutes They have a rigorous application process and limited seats 6. Trade Winds To Success Society is a Calgary for their programs, but that’s because their programs training program for Aboriginals looking to take a Pre- Here are 10 places to start your research to find the produce successful well trained women who get right to Apprenticeship course in the following trades; Boilermaker, work. Their Journeywoman Start Program might be the right Carpenter, Electrician, Ironworker, Millwright, Plumber, program that’s right for you in western canada. program for you. Steam/Pipe fitter, or Welder. Check out their programs at www.tradewindstosuccess.ca

The best way to be informed about trades training instructors, and/or interview tradespeople working is to do your research. Read carefully, attend -- do whatever you have to do to make the most 7. Northern Alberta information sessions, call student advisers, informed decision you can when it comes to your Institute of Technology speak with past students or participants, talk to education and future certifications. (www.nait.ca) is a polytechnic in Edmonton with various campuses across Alberta. They offer Pre-Employment and Pre-Apprenticeship programs 8 ACCESS is the Aboriginal Community Career and courses that can start your Employment Service Society operating around the trades career without having Vancouver area. They have trades training programs posted to be a registered apprentice to for 2013 and 2014 in welding, machining, metal fabrication, attend. They also offer a weekend piping, and electrical industries. Check them out at www. course called Becoming a Master accessfutures.com. 2. Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Instructor for those skilled, in a trade, or specializing in a Technology (SIAST) is a polytechnic with a unique course craft and want to learn how prepare a class or workshop and 1. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offered on the weekends for women thinking about changing teach a group of adult learners. (www.sait.ca) is a polytechnic in Calgary with various careers. Their Women In Trades Exploratory Course gives campuses across Alberta. Check out their Apprenticeship you the option to explore the carpentry, welding, machining, and Trades programs and courses. If you’re not a registered and automotive trades to determine if the industry is the apprentice but want to be, maybe their Pre-Employment or right fit for you. Check out www.gosiast.com and search for Pre-Apprenticeship courses are what you’re looking for. the course code CEXP 1600. 9. Unions Many unions have their own training schools and most operate in every province. There are too many to list here, but start your research under the Resources section of the (www.JourneymanInc.ca) website where the Canada’s Building Trades Unions are listed. Jourenyman is a network of Women of the Building Trades in Canada.

Do you have a program 4. Momentum (www.momentum.org) is based in Calgary that you want others to Alberta, Momentum has a trades training program for Immigrants and/or Aboriginals who wish to participate in a know about? Please share pre-apprenticeship program to become a carpenter, glazier 10. Okanagan College (www.okanagan.bc.ca) offers a it on our Facebook Page for (works with glass), heavy duty technician, or plumber/ program called Gateway to the Building Trades For Women our growing community 3. Industry Training Authority (ITA) (www.itabc.ca) manages pipefitter. through their Women In Trades Training Initiative. The the trades and apprenticeship programs for British Columbia. They programs are delivered through their campuses in Vernon, have a Women In Trades section on their website and it’s a wealth Kelowna, and Salmon Arm. This is an excellent way for www.facebook.com/ of information. It also shares which programs are funded with their women to get a start in the trades. womeninworkboots support and some are for women only. 6 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 7

owner and creator Marissa McTasney a letter from... is from Ontario, where she runs her moxie business as the chief work boot wearer. Okanagan College’s She created the first pink work boot for women and has since grown her line. Find her online at Nancy Darling trades british Columbia is leading Canada with their trades programs for women, MoxieTrades.com organizations and associations, and online support network through Women In Trades Training (WITT) Facebook page. Join their conversations!

Nancy Darling, an administrator with the Trades and Apprenticeship department of Okanagan College, shares the successes and upcoming opportunities for women in British Columbia.

t was great to meet Jill from Women in Work Boots in Calgary at the recent “TRADE UP! 2013 Women in Trades Conference” in Kelowna, where i Okanagan College hosted a 1 day conference event celebrating women who work in, and those who are training for careers in the skilled trades. To date, Okanagan College has provided funded training opportunities for careers in skilled trades, for over 500 women in British Columbia through the Women in Trades Training (WITT) Project. amelia dani Women in Trades Training (WITT) at Okanagan College is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, and is targeting unemployed We named our 8” multi purpose work boot after the The name of our light weight but heavy duty work boot is inspired by a famous Amelia Earhart; noted American aviation pioneer woman with a light hand and a heavy foot. Danica Patrick is the most and underemployed women. The goal and vision for this project is to increase the and author. Ms Earhart was the first woman to receive successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the number of female apprentices in the Province of BC. Ultimately it is the intention the US Distinguished Flying Cross. Ms. Earhart also wrote only woman to win the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish of Okanagan College to encourage, support and inspire women to choose non- best selling books and was instrumental in the formation by a woman at the Indianopolis 500 of 3rd place. She started her career traditional employment that is rewarding, profitable and satisfying in an experiential of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots. with kart racing, raced Formula Ford and then moved up to Indy Cars. learning environment. This moxie woman was fearless. Most recently, Danica has moved to NASCAR. We think she has MOXIE! Right now, Okanagan College is gearing up for another fantastic year, with programs running up and down the Okanagan Valley from Kelowna, to Vernon and Salmon Arm starting in September 2013. These three locations will offer the 12 week, Gateway to the Building Trades for Women program which is an exploratory program providing students with both practical and theoretical experience in a wide variety of trade sectors. Students will gain the hands on experience and firsthand knowledge required to make an informed decision about which trade to enter, as well as learning practical skills and industry requirements for a variety of trades and will explore how to secure employment and further training.

Another fully funded training option is available to women who have already chosen which trade they would like to pursue as a career. Sponsorship includes tuition, books, mandatory tools and personal protective equipment, and there are now more lotus betsy xtreme than 13 different trades programs to choose from at Okanagan College! Typically a flower of divine beauty that survives from Not long ago on a cold winter evening in a home of Supporting students is a priority for Okanagan College and the WITT Team is the mud and grows toward the light. We named this sleeping children, a woman searched the pages of the committed to building compassionate and inclusive relationships with our students. boot after our contest winner Barb Gordon shared some world wide web in search of The Pink Work Boot. The hard With mentors on staff to assist participants through the program as well as funding thoughts on the strength of women and the symbolism working labourer needed protection for her tender toes for we share with the divine lotus flower. the industrial jobs that laid ahead. for tutoring and other supports to our valued students, their success is our success and Okanagan College works hard to foster a student centered experience and supports the enhancement of their personal support networks and connections. 8 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 9 pioneer kate braid Red Seal Carpenter

When speaking about being a and have babies (because that’s what nice me the next day, not as a carpenter but as woman in the trades, Kate Braid, girls are supposed to do), then you can be a labourer, only because the guys had been who started in construction either a nurse, a secretary, or a teacher.’ There slowing down on the job and he thought if A as a labourer in 1977 and got were no other choices… Well, maybe waitress. he hired a woman they would speed up to her Journeyman ticket in 1980, And if you read the results of the latest show off. He didn’t reckon that I would fall in provides the world with one of Canadian census, not a lot has changed. The love, totally smitten, with construction work. few sources of literature on the subject. With vast majority of women today still work in That was the beginning of fifteen years of an fifteen years of experience as one of the first low paying clerical, sales and service jobs. I amazing and life-changing career […]. women to enter the challenging, rewarding suspect that today a smart, physically active realm of trades work, Kate Braid has crafted young woman might be directed toward a job “I loved what most of you who have elegant prose and poetry capturing the - perhaps not as a secretary - but as a fitness had a taste of the trades also love. I loved complexities of personal identity, the joy trainer, or a gym instructor. Not boiler maker being outdoors, using my body, being fit and of fulfilment, the hardships of passion and or welder or plumber. So, I picked secretary. active, and mechanically competent, and the struggles of being a woman in what is I was awful as a secretary. And it was quite confident. Well, confidence mostly came later. seemingly a man’s industry. by accident, years later, that after trying Also, on the good days, I loved working with a many of the traditional women’s jobs (I was crew of men. But it isn’t as if I never thought Braid’s keynote speech during the a receptionist, I was a childcare worker and of dropping out, sometimes on a daily basis. TRADE UP! Women in Trades Conference so on), I stumbled into construction—quite The first time that happened, I’d been working held at Okanagan College’s Kelowna Campus literally. for almost two years as a labourer. I loved on July 6th, 2013, was inspiring, memorable what I was doing and one my bosses said, and delved into the internal anxieties and “It happened in 1977. I was living ‘Have you ever thought of apprenticeship?’ external difficulties experienced by many on Pender Island, and told some of my men I’d never heard of apprenticeship; it wasn’t women in the trades. And although Braid, friends at a party one night that I was going nurse, secretary or teacher! So, I’d applied a Red Seal Carpenter, has found deep to have to leave the island (which I didn’t for a pre-trades course, but then one night at satisfaction and enthusiasm working in the want to do), because I was running out of the pub I got into conversation with some of trades, she begins her keynote speech by money. One of the guys had just quit his the guys I’d been working with, about ceiling confessing that the path her life took was not job as a carpenter building the local school, tiles. Then I turned aside and joined the an expected one. which was a huge project for a small island, women in a conversation about decorating so he asked, Why didn’t I apply for his job? or relationships. And then I panicked. I felt The following is an edited version This was 1977, and none of us had ever as if the earth was opening under me and of Kate Braid’s keynote speech: heard of a woman ever doing this kind of I thought: Who am I? Am I male or female? TITLE Here work. I said the first thing that came to my How is it possible to be so at home, to love “I never planned to be a carpenter. mind, which was, ‘I’ve never built anything.’ both of these very different worlds? So, Wermentum volutpat, I was raised in the 1950s and in those days And he gave me the best advice I ever got before starting my pre-apprentice course they said, ‘If you aren’t going to get married neque nisl rhoncus in construction: Lie […]. The foreman hired at BCIT (which was then PVI), I did my MA nisi, ac vulputate libero thesis on women in trades in B.C., and found that in 1977 we were 2-3% of the trades diam vitae justo. “Here’s the point I’m trying to make, and I especially (not counting chefs and hair dressers). want to address trainers, employers and the Soon after I finished my pre-apprenticeship course I started working. We soon began government people here: Women can do this work.” a Vancouver Women in Trades group that 10 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 11

worked to change the numbers. We lobbied I could answer, the carpenter immediately disparaging comment to her related to being another, an additional, approach. Look at Ed over there. government and industry, we worked as behind me, who was a foreman who knew a woman. And a younger man near by told Sixty if he’s a day and the man looks role models, we helped change the laws so me from a previous job, said, ‘Lay off.’ He him to be quiet. That, Hilary said, was shock “Based on the stories I’ve just told more graceful than a goddamned employers could not discriminate. We sat said it casually: Lay off. Two words. But for enough. But then not only did the owner call you, I say it’s time to train the managers, on government boards and advised large my labourer it was as if the sky had opened her in the next day and apologize, and tell her especially frontline managers, foremen. crane. Nails hum for him. employers like B.C. Hydro, and what was then and God had spoken. From that day on that that in his shop everyone gets treated with Train them! We forget that they are as much Walls rise all around him labourer couldn’t do enough for me. It was the respect, but the older guy himself came and pioneers as the women who work for them. called the Workmen’s Compensation Board like some Eastern palace. (now WorkSafeBC). [We] developed programs only time in fifteen years that a man spoke up apologized to her. Unbelievable. She told me, How do you handle the fact that 80% of your Ed knows. aimed at hiring minorities (that’s what they for me when another man was giving me a ‘Kate, I’m in heaven here.’ crew hate the new guy, or in this case, the called us in those days), which included hard time and the effect was dramatic. new gal? You’re out in the bush, you’re behind Those little lines of steel can talk, story is schedule—of course it’s easy to get rid of her. women, First Nations and people of colour. “The fourth tell you what kind of wood you’re dealing The B.C. Federation of Labor put on the first “Second story. […] short. When I researched the building of the I understand this. It’s why tradeswomen, no with, conference ever on sexual harassment, which Years later, I was giving a talk at a local high Vancouver Island Highway, I asked one of the matter how skilled, how experienced we are, was a word we’d never heard before […]. school where the shop teacher was worried frontline foremen, a very decent guy, what are chronically underemployed. how thick and whether it’s wet or dry. because he had very few young women in the effect had been of compulsory hiring of “In 2007, when Tamara Pongratz his classes. After the talk, I got up the nerve women and First Nations on that job. He said, “So the first thing I want to say You feed ‘em to your hammer like this. today is: Train the management. Train your from BCIT and I at SFU at the time, put on a to say to him, ‘Every time someone - anyone ‘The first reaction of 80% of the guys, when a Are you right handed? Hammer in the right, conference for women in trades, we did the - is being hassled on a crew, I’ve come to woman or First Nations person walks on my frontline people. That foreman out in the bush nails in the left. Don’t look! research again. Thirty years later the number realize that everyone knows it. It makes job, is pure hatred.’ I’m hoping that number had a telephone, a computer and an iPad. of women in trades in B.C. was still 2-3% […].I them uncomfortable, but no one ever says is a little higher than usual, but clearly that What if he had taken a course on handling Just finger those nails and was very discouraged. Attitudes, I hope, are a word.’ The teacher said, ‘Yeah, that’s right.’ guy, and presumably most foremen, can have staff? What if there was someone he could roll them like cigarettes. So I asked, ‘Why don’t the men speak up?’ a problem on their hands when a woman or call the minute something didn’t look good beginning to change but the numbers are the Place them same. And those small numbers, meaning He looked at me in amazement and said, minority walks on the job. It’s a management or he could see trouble coming? One of one at a time fast, right most of us work alone, make it that much ‘Because that would be implying you couldn’t problem. the suggestions that’s come out already who took me under their wing once they could harder to survive, or thrive, in this work. look after yourself on the job.’ It was my turn today is to provide basic training on what’s see my attitude, and taught me everything I where your hammer is “Here’s the point I’m trying to make, fair, on respectful treatment, as a part of know [...]. to be amazed, but it made perfect sense. waiting, poised at the top “All the statistics say apprentices do Man-sense (pardon me guys, if I generalize apprenticeship programs […] I’ve talked with “This work isn’t easy, and there is of the next swing not cost employers money, that apprentices for a bit here). young men who are nervous about working give back more than is invested in them. Yet, “With the help of good with women because they didn’t know what no one who understands exactly what you to give them a love tap or two. the rater of completion of trades training, at “When women walk onto a construction site, would be respectful behaviour. So, let’s tell are experiencing better than other women least outside the unions, is abysmal - 37% we’re walking into a man’s world. It’s like foremen and forewomen, them. in trades. So […], find other tradeswomen. Got the rhythm, kid, you got it now? Talk to each other. Get together with each for all trades, though in the Unions it’s ninety. walking into a different culture, a male culture. site managers and You’ve got to love a job that’s got We all know that B.C. and Canada suffer a (I’ve written and spoken a lot about that in “The second thing I want to say is other on a regular basis. We didn’t used this much rhythm, serious shortage of skilled trades people but the past.) We women can and must learn owners, we will one day addressed especially to the tradeswomen to say ‘Sisterhood’ for nothing […]. I would employers are looking overseas to address it, to get a long in that culture (I call it, being see a lot more women, and tradeswomen students here today. never have lasted as long as I did in the trade this much swing.” to the East and to Europe, for people who are bilingual). The men don’t learn our culture. What you’re doing is hard. After almost forty without other tradeswomen to talk to, to cry (In Turning Left to the Ladies, Palimpsest Press, already trained (men).The fact that you’re all Why should they? There’s only one of us. In and First Nations, and years of women in trades work, you are still with, to laugh with. Sometimes someone 2009) here suggests, however, that you understand that all-male culture, looking after yourself people of color, share in pioneers. You are still going to be closely just rolling her eyes at the right moment was the simple good sense of looking locally is the equivalent to looking after your male watched on the job. They say the magic exactly what I needed to keep going. I wasn’t Ending with a powerful poem, Kate Braid’s to hire, starting with the other 51% of the pride, your manhood. So, of course, someone number that will turn us from “tokens” - which alone. They knew what I was talking about. If these deeply rewarding passion and devotion to the trades is inspiring, population, women, for recruitment, not to else interfering is seen as demeaning. But in is what we are at 2-3% - into minorities, you love this work, if you want to keep doing while her experiences are eye opening. An mention people of color and First Nations. most women’s way of thinking, in a women’s careers. which is an important step forward, is 15%. it, you must find allies. Look to each other, accomplished writer, Braid has published culture, someone speaking up for you is seen We still have a long way to go. your sisters in trades. several books of poetry and prose highlighting “Today I want to tell you two things. as a kindness, as caring. On top of that, some and I especially want to address trainers, “[…] Tamara Pongratz from BCIT, Trades work is extraordinarily the world of a tradeswoman, with her most The first starts with a story—actually, four women take it personally. I know I did. So if a employers and the government people here: recent book being a memoir, “Journeywoman: stories. ” who’s a Red Seal plumber, has said, ‘On the important and profoundly satisfying guy harassed me and the others didn’t speak Women can do this work. In the last forty job we need to be true to ourselves, but we work. With the help of good foremen and Swinging a Hammer in a Man’s World,” which up for me, I thought it was because he hated years we have proved that, over and over. In . In 1989 I also need to adapt to the sometimes very forewomen, site managers and owners, we can be purchased at local bookstores. It tells First story me. Of course. I’m useless. I shouldn’t be fact, often the women who stick it out are was working on the Patterson addition to foreign-feeling culture we’ve entered.’ So, will one day see a lot more women, and First Braid’s story of courage and ambition as she here. It took me years to learn that wasn’t the particularly good at what we do because the Vancouver General Hospital and I had honour your own work ethic. When I started Nations, and people of colour, share in these created a place for herself in an industry that is case. They didn’t speak up because in man- we love it and have an excellent attitude. a labourer who hated me. As one guy once in construction, the first time a carpenter deeply rewarding careers. still – for now - male-dominated. thinking they were doing me a favour […]. But in the past 40 years of asking why there said to me, ‘I have nothing personal against asked me to get him a crescent wrench, he aren’t more women in the trades, we’ve For more information on Kate Braid, please visit you, it’s just that you’re a woman.’ Now had to draw a picture on a piece of 2x4 so I “I’d like to finish up with a poem. In “Third story. A concentrated almost entirely on the women. labourers may not have a lot of status on a could find it. The only reason they kept me on a poem you can say in three minutes what www.katebraid.com Vancouver friend of mine was looking for a Study after study comes up with the same construction job, but they do have a lot of that job was my attitude. I was the dumbest you would otherwise say in an hour […]. It’s welder for his ship-building company and I data, the same suggestions. They all agree power. If they aren’t bringing your materials labourer they ever had, but boy was I keen! about apprenticeship, which, as you know, is recommended the wonderful Hilary Peach. the problem is not recruitment. If you make promptly, the foreman doesn’t say, ‘What’s the In spite of often feeling lost, I loved what I doing what you’re told. This was one of my Hilary spends half of the year working up it clear that women are welcome on your matter with your labourer?’ He says, ‘What’s was doing and I wanted to learn more. In the lessons. north, welding on pipelines, and the other half job, they will come. Twenty to thirty dollars the matter with you?’ And you’re soon off the trades, this is a good thing. People can see written by jennifer sintime arranging poetry events on Gabriola Island. an hour, are you kidding? The problem isn’t Lesson One: Nails. job. So one day I was coming out of the lunch attitude a mile away and they respond. It was Later, she told me that one guy in that shop, recruitment; it’s retention. So the reports shack when my labourer made another one of some of the best carpenters, I realized later, an older man who didn’t know a lot about the say, “Train more women.” But I’m suggesting his stupid, put-down comments to me. Before high-tech equipment she was using, made a 12 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 13 ryan murphy is not a man Ryan Murphy Construction Inc., a Calgary, Alberta based construction company, would fool most of those who would assume that it is male owned and operated. A clever illusion, Karen Ryan and Lara Murphy have found a witty way to place themselves into what many would claim as a male-dominated industry. Fortunately, Karen and Lara have taken the masculine image of construction and, for lack of a better term, owned it.

nyone hearing your company’s name for the first time would assume that “Ryan A Murphy” is a man. What made you choose this name, and do you think it helps to attract the business of those who may be skeptical about working with a construction company owned by women?

We definitely chose the name based on the assumption people would think it was a man. It was an intentional play-on-words that actually makes for great conversation (and probably doesn’t hurt in an industry that largely employees men!). As far as it giving us more opportunity, that’s tough to say as no one has told us straight up they wouldn’t work with us because we were women– at least not to our face!

MORE INSIDE Laura Murphy & Karen Ryan

Left to right. 14 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 15

What made you guys decide to get into business On the commercial side we tend to do work for together? local business owners here in Calgary. Many of our clients are repeat customers and the We met on a job site in Banff during the boom in demographic would be 40-somethings, including 2007. At the time, things were incredibly busy. franchisees. In terms of residential, there’s also a As the only two women working on the site, we wide demographic; we do work for a lot of female struck up conversations that lead to the potential designers, architects, and business owners. for an opportunity in business together. We tried a few smaller projects together and in 2008, Ryan Murphy Construction Inc. was formed! What do each of you love most about your job?

Lara: The people and the wide range of What kind of work do you guys specialize in; and, opportunities available. For example, we sponsored of the services you offer, what are the majority of a team for the Calgary Scotia Bank Marathon in contracts you take? May 2013, in support of Cerebral Palsy. We did this in honour of a little girl named Piper Jackson, the We are general contractors, working in commercial, daughter of one of our home modification clients, retail and residential construction. We also have a allowing three year-old Piper the ability to freely division that is dedicated to home modifications move about her house with her special walker. for families and individuals with special needs. Participating in this event was very rewarding for Since the floodwater hit Alberta in June, our all involved... Not to mention the money we raised! residential side has really gained momentum. Karen: I love that there’s something new and Currently, we are constructing a holistic clinic, challenging everyday (as I’m sure you can gather, residential wheelchair ramps and a Tommy Hilfiger I’m the quieter one of the Ryan Murphy team)! store. As you can see, it’s a mixed bag. Our mantra continue that trend with an even more productive you are taking on is something that you not only is “No job is too small, and no job is too large!” We team to help us accomplish our goals. One goal believe in, but also are willing to make (and take) do it all! in particular would be with our charity work. With the time to build forward. There are ups and What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced? charity, it isn’t just about revenue but learning downs everyday; you need to have a thick skin and Changing the perception and reputation of the to give back to the community, city and youth. confidence in knowing that on any given day you What are some of the challenges you have had to construction industry by moving forward in a One of the most rewarding experiences from this might fail more than you succeed. By surrounding face being women in the construction industry? positive way with our team, making ourselves past summer was taking on a summer student yourself with like-minded people, you will push 100% as accountable as the people working on our from the Registered Apprenticeship Program forward. Oh, and above all else, trust your spidey Interestingly enough, we haven’t had many sites. Owning it. (RAP). Although she was only fifteen years old, senses! negative experiences at all (only one client thus far she opened our eyes to the many possibilities ______asked us about a “hen party”). Overall, it’s been a in construction. The perception of trades in the positive experience; perhaps it’s largely to do with industry is changing, and it’s nice to experience What have you learned as female entrepreneurs in the fact that we don’t dwell on the gender card, but that first hand with the younger generation. the construction industry? use our energy working. No one can argue with a For more information of Ryan Murphy Construction job that’s completed on budget and on time! To go out of your comfort zone everyday, network, Inc., feel free to visit their website at www.ryanmurphyconstruction.com find a mentor and to learn how to ask questions. What would you say to any women interested in starting their own business in a male dominated What demographic do the majority of your industry, like construction? customers belong to, and why do you think this Where do you guys see yourselves in five years? is? I’d say that anyone looking to start your own Our business has grown every year and we’d like to business, in any field, has to know that what natural building handmade.

idea at the time, which there is no those materials, and then it comes into heather noakes doubt it is, the job gods and goddesses a practical sense when I use it here [at don’t necessarily find much favor in it. 2stone].” get what you want, building molds and Fortunately, regardless of what degree building forms; they just share a lot of you have, there’s always one career With a degree in Ceramics from ACAD, the same aspects.” path that’s ready to absorb your skills, it seems that the jump to working with But when it comes to the freedom passion and ambitions—the trades. concrete wasn’t difficult for Slade. “I think I’ve always liked working with my of being an artist, there are some Both Carly Slade and Heather hands, and I’ve always liked creating reservations to be had when working in Noakes, owners and entrepreneurs something out of nothing. And, being a different industry. “I’m not just getting to make whatever I want and whatever cARLY SLADE of their own respective businesses, a ceramic artist, it’s all about working have been down the rewarding path with mud and getting dirty. When I comes to mind the same way I would of University education, only to find transitioned into concrete I found that with an art piece,” remarks Slade. “Here that they’re doing something outside it was very similar to clay. It has a lot it’s more predetermined with what I of the realms of their degrees. Carly of the same terminology and a lot of have to make. So, in that respect it isn’t completely fulfilling, but it is still kind ou’ve finally done it. You’ve conquered the Freshman Fifteen, Slade, part owner of 2stone Designer the same steps, like making a recipe to of the same ideas. And I get the same the endless all-nighters, the cram sessions and the Concrete (a Calgary, AB based design satisfaction of making something.” uncompassionate professors who don’t understand that firm, specializing in pre-cast glass fiber y reinforced cement—I know, a mouthful!) submitting your final research paper a few days late isn’t a Holding a similar educational and ACAD graduate, finds that her big deal. You’ve earned the cap, the gown, and the neatly background as Slade, Heather Noakes post-secondary education has deeply embossed paper with your name on it, and now it’s time to step attended ACAD for two years before benefited her whilst working in the into the real world. But wait, you can’t find a job. Well, maybe she finished her open-ended Fine Arts trades. a job, but you’re looking for a career. You’re looking for a degree at the Emily Carr University of place to fit into society for the next twenty to thirty years! “A lot of things you learn at Art and Design. Co-owner of Dirt Craft However, it seems that regardless of whatever degree school, at least at ACAD, were how to Natural Building, a small business based you possess— you’re lost. write a submission, how to do photos, in Calgary, AB, Noakes (and her partner Ashley Lubyk) aimed to “inspire a new The most prominent and increasing complaint from websites and online marketing,” says movement around building attainable majority, if not all, University and post-secondary Slade. “I do all of the writing that 2stone shelter.” In order to do this, Heather graduates is the lack of jobs and careers available does— the website, all of our blogs, Noakes combined her love of nature and to them after graduation. Many of them (or anything that goes out. I definitely artistic abilities. “I really value nature,” should I say, us) leave the hallowed halls of Calgarians learned how to properly format and Heather begins. “It’s always been a their respective educational palaces to find Carly Slade of 2Stone Designer Concrete and write well at school, so I think going to strong theme in my life and I think themselves in a wasteland of Craigslist job school brings professionalism to what Heather Noakes of Dirt Craft share how they built we can do a better job with building postings and student debt. It seems that you do. Likewise, at school I was using that relationship, and I think that it’s although studying English literature businesses after their Bachelor Of Fine Arts Degrees. wood, clay, glass, rubber and fibreglass. a healthy one to have in our lives. I for four years seemed like a good And though I was using all of these materials in an artistic sense, now I think using natural materials just re- have the knowledge of how to use all of establishes that.”

www.2Stone.ca www.dirtcraft.ca castle, you can’t help but feel a sense of definitely not taken seriously at first, and I feel like I have to pride when you’ve built something with prove myself.” Noakes also notes that when compared to her your own hands. And not only do you male co-owner, at times she feels she isn’t treated with the feel accomplished once you’ve actually same amount of respect. And although she finds it frustrating, created something, but owning your own “it hasn’t impacted me to the point where I feel like I’m really business has its pay offs too. As Slade inhibited in terms of getting work done.” said, “I like that the harder that I work, the more payoff I get. I like having an If there’s anything that can be gained from the experiences of ownership in what I do. […] I like that I these women working in the trades, it’s that the challenges of can help influence decisions, whereas if working in a male dominated industry aren’t anything to be I were just an employee at a company, I scared of. In fact, Carly Slade has some words of advice for wouldn’t have much say in it. And I think those who may feel uneasy at the thought of figuring out how that there’s a part of me that needs to to behave whilst working in the trades: know that there is a way to move up or “I think the biggest thing with working in the trades is that you influence a company; I don’t want to be have to treat it as a professional business, just like anything just another worker online. And, I like else. You show up on time, you need to conduct yourself well; that on the weekend I can come in an you don’t bring your drama to work and dress appropriately. use all the tools to do my own stuff.” Some pitfalls that I have seen in other women are showing The flexibility of being part-owner of up with a face full of make-up and stopping every twenty-five minutes to reapply. This isn’t the place for looking pretty; this Dirt Craft is a business that offers cob oven by dirt craft her own business also has allowed Carly Slade to take two months off is the place to get your job done, and I think that’s important consultations, workshops and general with a colder climate. The challenge for last summer to attend the Medalta to still be professional. I know in being a manager and hiring contracting through the means of our business is to remain approachable International Artist in Residency people, I’ve been kind of astonished at how poorly some natural building. But, what is natural and try to present a building technique program in Medicine Hat, to which Slade people apply for jobs and conduct themselves in interviews. building? that is useful and accessible but still adds, “There aren’t a lot of jobs where Some people walk in here smoking and swearing, are late and maintain integrity in terms of building “Natural building is basically the process you could take off for two months and all a mess; they can’t spell properly and can’t punctuate. No- construction. of taking fairly simple, unrefined raw go do that.” At the end of this summer, in showing is really common too. I think a lot of people don’t take the trades seriously.” ingredients and turning them into useful “Earthen construction has been around order to pursue her ongoing love affair building projects, or building materials,” with the Fine Arts, Slade will be taking as long as humans have been creating Whether it’s a love of nature, a joy of building things Noakes informs us. “Similar to green the next three years to attend the San shelter,” continues Noakes. “There are with their hands or even the artistic and creative side of building, natural building focuses on Jose University in a multidisciplinary some different things to think about in creating something, both of these women love what they do. performance— energy efficiency, indoor fine arts Masters program, (hopefully) a northern climate. Heating is a huge fabric form concrete by 2stone And if there lies any uncertainty about where to start, what to air quality, things like that. Where we feel returning during the summers to work at one and using building materials that do and how to get where you want to go in the trades, both that natural building goes a step further 2stone. of going onto a job site and the Superintendant there just allow you to reduce your energy needs. Heather Noakes and Carly Slade leave off with some helpful than green building is that care is taken probably assumes I don’t know what I’m doing. That would In a cold climate you have moisture advice: to include environmentally sustainable condensation issues, things like that, kind of be the easy way to put it. [He] doesn’t know my position materials that are renewable, and not so being really careful about creating Akin to building a in the company, probably doesn’t believe what I have to say to Noakes: “My advice would be to find a mentor, or maybe leaving behind a toxic dump when the air barriers where there is materials him, maybe feels like I need to call somebody to clarify. Just a couple of mentors. I have women that I turn to when I building is finished, either in construction meeting, you’ve got make sure you’re sand castle, you knowing that any site you go on, it’s going to be a fight to first have strictly business questions, whether that’s budgeting, or end of life.” going to create a condensation point or can’t help but feel prove yourself; whereas if you were a man and you walked marketing or business structure. It’s really important to have an air gap that would allow for moisture onto that site, you’d just get it already. And I think I’ve heard someone to turn to because I think it’s really overwhelming. Natural building also fits into leakage. that from a lot of women in the trades; it’s just a constant To do it on your own is ridiculous. I often spend a lot of time permaculture. Noakes explains, a sense of pride proving. trying to do it myself, and then I realize I should just ask for “Permaculture is basically looking at “If you just put clay on the wall you’d when you’ve built help, and it goes so much quicker; people are really happy to trying to create a system for sustainable “There’s an honest limitation in the fact that I can’t get lots of expansion and contraction, offer mentorship help.” habitat (What are our needs and what creating cracks. That’s where a bit of something with carry a hundred pounds around all day,” Carly admits. “But, can we provide to that system?), and experience and professional advice can your own hands. I would say that I could come up with a smart way to move Slade: “My biggest advice would be to say, ‘Do it.’ Stop second- using observation of nature and patterns come in with creating your recipes to that hundred pounds around. So, I don’t think that needs to guessing yourself and just do it. It’s going to be a lot of hard to create those systems. That includes make sure they’re really solid. We do be limited, you just need to think more about it. Being young work. You’re not going to be able to buy groceries some your food needs, shelter needs, and professional work to just get a job done.” As in any industry, there are some dark and being a woman, and having to tell older men what to do [is months, you might run out of toothpaste, but the rewards that’s where natural building fits into shadows and challenges that lie beneath a challenge]. Being in a managerial position and being taken are worth it. The biggest thing to me is professionalism. Set permaculture.” Between both Heather Noakes and the joys, passions and flexibility of seriously, sometimes (not so much here at 2stone, but when yourself professional.” Carly Slade, the joy of being able to working as a self-employed entrepreneur I was doing gas line installation) you’d get these old men and Though there are some natural building use their hands to build something and in the trades industry, but nothing so they wouldn’t want to listen to you, or you could tell if they businesses in the West Coast, Dirt Craft be creative seems to be a recurrent great as to deter an ambitious woman. were having a problem with listening to you.” written by jennifer sintime Natural Building is the main business theme. Unlike certain conventional Aside from drowning in the abyss of providing services in Western Canada. jobs, working in the trades (although work-life balance (which, to be fair, could Heather Noakes found similar challenges. “People are so As Heather states, “They [businesses natural building lacks any certification be said of any career), when speaking excited to learn [at our workshops] that gender doesn’t play a on the West Coast] are more focused or trade association and could be called of the challenges of being a female role. However, when we show up on site where there’s multiple on just earthen construction, so just more of a “craft”, as Noakes put it) working in a male-dominated industry, trades-people working, maybe where there’s people who don’t cob mostly. On the West Coast you can allows for a sense of achievement and Slade expresses her opinions, “I think a know so much about natural building, I think it’s more the build houses from that, but it’s just not accomplishment. Perhaps there’s more lot of it is just assumptions that people natural building that throw people off than the fact that I’m a appropriate here [in Alberta]. So, we “proof in the pudding” when working have. That kind of creates an anxiety woman,” Noakes laughs. “But often people will remark, ‘Oh, have to get a bit more technical to deal in the trades. Akin to building a sand you guys do know what you’re talking about.’ However, I’m 20 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 21

4 · FEBRUARY 2012 A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE BY MEDIAPLANET HEADER canada’sTIP/STEP 0

XXXXXX Building TradesXXXXXXXX Unions By: Jamie McMillan

It took a few the fourteen affiliated unions under amazing. With the business side pushes to get the Building Trades umbrella at their being taken care of I now have the me to finally put annual meeting in January of 2013. liberty to go out and be the face of my ideas into All 14 trades unions unanimously the initiative by promoting the CBTU action. agreed to a partnership with and Journeyman by attending trade

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Duis [email protected] m an Iron Worker in 2002. Soon after I went down to my I started to brainstorm ways a CBTU initiative local union hall and signed up. to promote women in trades. I 16650 Journeyman Postcard_v4.indd 1 5/29/13 2:17 PM Before I was an Once I started ironworking I knew didn’t want anyone to miss out ironworker, I was a personal immediately it was what I wanted on the opportunities, benefits of support worker and bartender/ to do. I loved the physical labour unions, apprenticeships, and paid server. and working with the boys. It training. As the years went by I was exciting and challenging thought up more and more ideas I spent so many years that I shared with a few people. doing things I didn’t love. An and I loved that the work was

journeymaninc.ca buildingtrades.ca a CBTU initiative

16650 Journeyman Postcard_v4.indd 1 5/29/13 2:17 PM 22 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 23

the sky smart is the limit! trucking By: lindsay amundson Catherine MacMillan is the founder of Smart Trucking, an online resource and network of truckers who are passionate about their work. Here she shares her story of Journeyman, a Canadian Building Trades Unions how she became an entrepreneur in an industry that has been traditionally targeted to men. initiative is a national program promoting, supporting There’s just no doubt about it, the trucking industry is a and mentoring women in the skilled construction man’s world. Big rig trucks, diesel engines, CB radios, trades. loading docks, heavy equipment...... these are all part of the world of trucking that has traditionally belonged to the men. But, in recent years, the number of women in trucking is slowly increasing. he Building Trades are making the representation is around 1-2% (plumbers, programs and becoming successful, There’s bound to be some challenges for a gal, no matter tradeswomen a priority in their gasfitters, carpenters) whereas others have respected journeymen. what her role, in any industry that is seriously dominated by mandate; all fourteen affiliated shown significant increases in percentage of males. t unions unanimously hopped women (tile setters, plasterers, drywallers/ As forecasted by BuildForce Canada, onboard when presented with finishers, insulators ironworkers and drill between 2013 and 2021, Canada’s As the owner of a small produce-hauling fleet, I’ve tripped an opportunity to launch a national women blasters). We certainly have a lot of work to construction labour force will need to across a few interesting situations in the early days of my in trades initiative. They recognize the do when it comes to promoting construction increase by 42,000 to meet demands as involvement in trucking. Mostly the men were surprised significance and importance of representing as a career choice for women. construction activity rises and by another and voiced, ‘why would a woman have anything to do with women working in the industry and 210,000 to replace retiring workers. These trucking?’. catherine promoting fulfilling and rewarding careers in replacement requirements may be partially MacMillan Honestly? It never really did cross my mind that I was any the trades. met by an estimated 152,000 new entrants between 2013 and to the workforce but this leaves an estimated different than anyone else in the trucking industry. I never Studies have shown that women who are gap of 100,000 workers who will need to be once thought I had to try any harder than a man to be passion. Two days in this business are rarely the same and exposed to trades and technology while 2021, Canada’s recruited from outside of the construction successful. It was all about doing the job. that’s one of the things I love about it. young, have role models in the industry and construction industry to meet labour requirements. I believe the key to success in any job, is to have the I’d certainly encourage any woman to pursue a career in prepare for a male-dominated workplaces confidence and the drive to do the job and do it extremely trucking whether it be the role of a dispatcher, a truck driver, Canada’s Building Trades Unions is the have long and successful careers in the well. Gender has absolutely nothing to do with job success. a fleet owner, or warehouse worker. If you’re able to master labour force will national voice of organized construction trades. The Building Trades are doing this My advice is keep your nose to the grindstone and stay the skill set required for the work, go for it. Being a woman workers in Canada. Our mission is to by investing in Journeyman, which was need to increase focused and true to your goals. in a male-dominated industry is a non-issue in my books. introduced by a ten year hardworking represent all workers in the building, member of the Ironworkers local 736, Jamie by 42,000 construction fabrication and maintenance Trucking has been a huge part of my life for many, many McMillan. Her passion, enthusiasm and industry to foster safe, improved working Why Trucking? years. Along with the successes, there were trials and creativity are the key to success in promoting conditions and to better the quality of life for tribulations too. The Smart Trucking website and other those workers and their families. associated social platforms have been great ways to pass careers for women in the trades. She loves Construction is not just a job for the boys; I grew up around trucks... my grandfather was a trucker, so her job, and she wants women out there to I knew a lot about big rigs. Way more than most others girls on my experience and lessons learned to others in the today many women are enjoying great Our fourteen affiliated International Unions know that they can do it too. Journeyman as I found out! industry. This networking came to be a way for me to ‘give careers in the trades. These jobs take skills, represent over 400,000 skilled men and plans to promote careers in the trades back’ to the trucking community. but they’re not just male skills, just skills. women working from coast-to-coast in every After owning a truck for several years ago, back when there through various events including trade Today, intelligence, creativity and training are craft. Members of our affiliates are the most was good money in trucking and the industry wasn’t so As the editor of the Smart Trucking website, my interactions shows, career fares, mentorship dinners highly valued, most of the muscle is provided highly skilled construction workforce in the heavily regulated as it is now, I made the decision to take the add a whole new dimension and richness to my life. I and local events nationwide. Journeyman by machines. The members of the Building world. They produce the best product, give whole thing to the next level. My entrepreneurial spirit was interact with truckers, fleet owners and other industry currently has an active Facebook page and Trades are working smarter, not harder. the best value and enhance the owner’s calling out to me in spite of the fact that my two university employees. It’s awesome to share stories and information is in the development stages of a website Modern technology and equipment have investment by their work on-the-job. degrees were completely unrelated to trucking! with others in the business and share how professionals to connect women currently in the trades provided us with a mechanical advantage continue to grow in their field. Slowly but surely, as the capital was generated, more and as well showcase some of the many to make our workplace less hazardous and To learn more about Canada’s Building more equipment was added to my fleet. The hard work Check out our website at www.smart-trucking.com and opportunities available for those interested in more ergonomically friendly. Technology Trades Unions and our 14 affiliates, please and long hours started to pay off. I was able to build up a read about Gals and Their Rigs, one of our feature sections a career in construction. has opened doors for women to join a once visit showcasing women who love their careers in the trucking male dominated workforce and bring home a successful small fleet, specializing in produce hauling. Currently women represent approximately 4% industry. substantial pay check. Now women from all Visit buildingtrades.ca for more information Trucking has been a big part of my life, and thus a great of the construction trades. For some trades walks of life are joining union apprenticeship or email [email protected]. 24 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 25 meaningfulwork By: alla guelber

Alla Guelber was motivated to create the Meaningful Work Project (MWP) based on her struggles and insights into the non-linear journey of aligning her goals, passions and interests – especially for environmental and social change – with a career. Alla recently completed the Master of Arts – Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University, and her thesis, titled: The quest for meaningful work: Personal journeys in creating occupations for people and planet. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Communications – Public Relations from Mount Royal University. She currently works for the City of Calgary as a Waste and Recycling Educator. Alla completed a Permaculture Design Certificate in the fall of 2012, and is actively involved with the Permaculture Calgary Guild. web: www.MeaningfulWorkProject.ca email: [email protected]

meaningful work retreat

on’t ask yourself what and ecological crises. With world. We are creating the future on creating an educational Creating MWP is part of my own the world needs; ask crisis comes opportunity as we go along. Aligning what program called The Meaningful response to the urgency I feel d yourself what makes for a people of all ages to we do to make a living with the Work Project (MWP). Through in transitioning our society and you come alive. And become involved in finding urgency of changing the world is MWP, I have been organizing economy. By bringing people then go and do that. Because creative solutions to the the surest way to make tangible, and hosting learning programs, together to envision a better what the world needs is greatest challenges of our long-lasting change. conducting academic research, future, learning from inspiring people who have come alive. - times. Whether we are looking and partnering with a variety of professionals and each other, Howard Thurman at building better cities, organizations to develop custom and sharing skills and knowledge, improving renewable energy programming and deliver various Is it possible to make money What makes me come alive? we can start moving on creating technologies, or growing food, consulting projects. and make progressive fuel and fibre more effectively, Faced with questions about what the kind of meaningful work that changes in the world? we can learn from the I could do to align my values will take care of people and the and my work, my frustrations in planet. And what about that feeling wisdom of our elders, from What is the Meaningful seeking satisfying and rewarding we all want of passion and modern-day researchers and Work Project? Our educational programs help connection to our work? innovators – and from Mother work, and growing interest in individuals and communities Nature herself. social and economic trends The Meaningful Work Project is progress toward living within We are living in times of toward green jobs and social an educational program, and an resilient ecosystems and a rapid economic change, In this brave new world of innovation, I embarked my quest opportunity to learn new skills, thriving local economy. employment uncertainty, and challenge and opportunity, for meaningful work. get connected to a stronger a growing awareness on the there is no single road map for sense of community and expand Since 2009, I have been working urgency to respond to social the shift to a cleaner, greener personal networks. 26 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 27

We incorporate leading research about social innovation, green jobs, transformative learning and permaculture to create interesting, fun and effective learning programs. What can the MWP website offer to women thinking about getting into the trades or feel.think. starting their own business? Jane Cooper is a certified Life Coach in Calgary, For women thinking about getting into the trades or starting their own businesses, we offer: Alberta, and the former manager of a trades program for women that was a partnership through Experiential educational program for Community of Practice: Creating a the YWCA of Calgary and Vermilion Energy. individuals seeking meaningful work that stronger sense of community and support 1. sustains people and ecosystem integrity. 3. for individuals who are interested in The Meaningful Work: Green Jobs + Social pursuing work of service to people and do. Innovation Retreat takes place October 25-27, 2013 planet is our key priority. We are striving to create in Canmore, AB. We also offer targeted workshops a stronger community of practice, a group of he construction industry and speaking it, internally or Acknowledging and taking specifically aimed at organizations, conferences, colleagues who are actively supporting each other t needs workers who are externally, is the DO. This keeps Taking responsibility for all three and more. in working for change. Through programs such skilled and safe. Women you in the present moment domains - FEEL, THINK, DO - is as the LifeJAM, a group process that supports are an untapped labour force and also stops you from living essential for women to succeed Storytelling as a source of inspiration. social innovators, we strive to encourage seekers who are ready willing and able with the illusion that you in the trades. It is a safety risk The Trailblazers Series showcases of meaningful work to feel more confident and to learn new skills and apply are responsible for another to have people on site who are 2. inspiring stories of individuals living into empowered to pursue their goals. Also connect to them safely. person’s feelings, thoughts, or not present whether talking us through social media on our website. behaviours. about the past or thinking about their own stories of meaningful work, and As a community we need to see the future. The reality is you are showing a broad range of what is possible. We the trades person before we When we chose careers in NOT present and conscious and would love to hear your story too! see their gender and as women male dominated industries it therefore you are a safety risk - we need to see the opportunity becomes even more essential to a danger to yourself and others. before we see the barriers. manage our own feelings or we are a danger to ourselves and Identifying and validating your Construction jobs can be others. We get in cycles where feelings will bring you into the What is the LifeJam? This is still a new idea that is in the “beta” phase. dangerous, especially when we We are gently continuing to develop the LifeJAM we blame others, try to escape present moment so you can be Women In Work Boots founder, Jill Drader and I first are distracted. into a service that we could offer on a wider scale. through addictions, find/return/ present and safe on site and met in an advanced French class at Mount Royal Find out more at www.MeaningfulWorkProject.ca/ A tool that I learned in my coach stay in abusive relationships, have vibrant fulfilling careers in University a decade ago. Our lives have meandered LifeJAM. training and one that I have exude anger and controlling a male dominated industry. in many ways, and by spring 2012, Jill was ready embraced in all of my life areas behaviours, don’t stick up for Remember, you are not to launch her business, but wanted to pull together is something called the FEEL- ourselves, are not present her friends, colleagues and family members to for our tasks, and eventually responsible for the feelings What’s ahead for MWP? THINK-DO loop. better support her as she ventured out on her own. become a safety hazard. This of other people, but you are Feelings are in the present can result in burnout, quitting, responsible for your own. We decided to organize a LifeJAM, a facilitated Looking forward, we are excited to organize and moment and validating them or getting fired. For some, this is group process that provides a structure that helps host the next Meaningful Work Retreat in October, Remember these three things: keeps you in the present a pattern. individuals gain clarity and catalyze action to to complete the LifeJAM handbook and continue moment. If feelings are avoided Feelings are in the present move their meaningful work forward. By inviting to develop our business model. We know we’re on and you are thinking about an moment in the “host” – the individual with the question to to something big with hosting and facilitating the 1. quest for meaningful work, but are still figuring out argument you had with your explore, along with supporters of the new project or Thoughts are often about where this quest will take MWP and all the people spouse, colleague or child – question, we are able to pool the wisdom, support the past or about the who have been involved – including myself, as the then you are not present and 2. and intelligence of the community to support each not safe to be working. future other in moving forward. founder and director. Identify and validate how you Behaviours are driven by Since that LifeJAM in Jill’s living room in June feel. This is the FEEL. 3. the unconscious, based on 2012, I completed the rest of the LifeJAM pilot past experiences. and have written a draft of the LifeJAM handbook. Labelling it is the THINK 28 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 29 Debbie sample cover letter ********************************PLEASE NOTE- ONE PAGE COVER LETTER ONLY PLEASE!!************* Name Mastel Address Calgary, AB Postal Code Phone: 403-***-**** the ‘t’ cover letter Email: Date

o you keep applying for roles on line without Dear Sir/Madame: getting any response? Well you’re not alone! d Being on a recruitment team, it’s probably the Please regard this as an application for the position of ______that was recently posted on number one hurdle I hear from job seekers. your website. If you feel that your resume is falling in to that black hole, the reality is, Recruiters aren’t making the same Based on the requirements stated in the posting, I possess a unique mix of experience, knowledge, and connection as to how your background is a match for skills that can definitely help your company in ______. Specifically I have matched them the role they’re looking to fill. How do you bridge this according to your posting as outlined below: gap? One way is by submitting your well written resume ______(Company Name) Requirements My Aligning Skill and/or Experience along with a T Cover letter.   What is a T Cover letter? To make things easier for you, we’ve included a template for you. Once you’ve had a 3. When you’re using transferable skills to obtain a chance to download it and take a look, you’ll be able   to understand how it got its’ name. You’ll notice that position, the T Cover letter gives you the opportunity it’s a bulleted letter so will get read more often than a to explain them. Countless times I’ve received resumes   paragraphed letter. from people clearly using transferable skills but I can’t make the connection. I remember a colleague of mine   Job seekers ask why they even need a cover letter once getting the resume for a fellow who groomed because the rumor on the street is that Recruiters don’t ski hills and had mentioned she didn’t see him fitting   even read them. Could this be true? I’ve asked many anywhere. Luckily it was brought to her attention that he Recruiters if they read cover letters and can confirm, might be a fit for a Heavy Equipment Operator position.   that more often than not, the answer is “No”. Rumor We ended up hiring him as that but other people aren’t confirmed. Still, I believe that writing a T Cover letter so lucky. can increase your chances of making it to the next step in the recruitment cycle. Why? Well the T Cover letter Most people hear that they should customize each serves 3 main purposes. cover letter and are unsure of how to do this. By using I am confident that my ability to ______will benefit ______(company this format of a cover letter, it makes it easier to do this. name) and its clients as it has my previous employers. 1. It assists the Recruiter, especially if they’re junior to bridge the gap as to how your background is a match You can download a copy template for the T Cover for they need to fill. letter right here to get you started. Although it may help After you have reviewed my resume, I would welcome an opportunity to discuss this position and the you make it to the next step, make sure you’re interview value that I can bring to ______. 2. When a recruiter is using key words to score resumes, skills are also polished should you get called in for an it gets you to use exact wording from the posting, interview. Happy job hunting! Sincerely, helping you to score higher. Because of volume, sometimes recruiters rely on systems to rate resumes. Debbie Mastel is a Talent Acquisition Professional with According to Right Management, 94% of the top 500 Devon Energy in Calgary. She has her Bachelor of Arts U.S. companies are now using computer programs to degree from Augustana University College in Camrose, Your Name evaluate resumes. Canada is sure to follow suit. is a Registered Professional Recruiter and is one of less Enclosure than 1,300 certified Linkedin Experts worldwide. 30 magazine | women in work boots magazine | women in work boots 31

Krista Zeidler is the owner of K-Bri-Z Accounting and Financial Management in Calgary, a small business which specializes in personal and Money, corporate tax planning, budgeting, forecasting, and filing. If it has to do with money and taxes, she does it! taxes, and organization

Tax planning. Expenses. your money is going Paper copies goals Insurance. Consultation. Consult an Most people through the year and of your Getting business These usually contact 1. accountant 2. don’t know make cuts in certain areas 4. receipts. 5. Sole Proprietor 6 insurance is as 8. cost the hourly before what they can if you have to. Revenue Canada or important as tax rate of the you register and/or or cannot write off. An can ask to go back 6 years Incorporated? planning. Shop around for individual or firm. Krista krista incorporate your business. accountant can help you during an audit of your Well that depends on what the best rates. Try AMA, charges $100/hour, and Planning is the most figure out what you can files. You need to have your goals are. If you’re a local broker, or whoever other larger firms can zeidler Mileage Log. planning on buying your important step you can expense and how you can If you are going paper copies of all your manages your home/ be upward of $300. No take. It’s different for organize you papers and claims. In this day and first house a year after vehicle insurance. consultation should take 403.452.7022 3. to claim any auto you incorporate, the bank everyone. Your best receipts so that at tax age with electronic files more than one hour. Some expenses, you will ask for more than tax planning strategy filing time, you don’t have need to keep a we think that everything accounting businesses for more info or to will depend on your to spend money having will be accessible when one year worth of income lack customer service book a consultation mileage log. This is to statements. Some people Referrals. unique relationships, someone go through your separate what driving is we need it, but that’s not Ask your friends and your unique needs partnerships, family, shoeboxes of receipts. always true. It’s not up think that you cannot are not their priority. done for the business, and write off as much as a 7. and business and upcoming large You could organize your what driving is done for to the utility or phone acquaintances Make sure you find a firm purchases, like a home. expenses yourself, or have company to keep your sole proprietor as you can that is interested in you, personal use. if you’re incorporated. about their accountant. a book keeper do it every records, that’s up to you. Find out what they like or your business, and your few months to keep you That’s a myth, the write ultimate goals. up to date. This is also a offs are the same. great way to review where 32 women in work boots | magazine magazine | women in work boots 33

without adding strain to the smaller muscles glutes stretch and stabilizers of the back. Often times clients who complain of knee and back pain have extra hang onto the wall or a railing for support and standing on health & wellness weight around the middle. Losing weight will not one leg, cross the other foot only reduce added pressure on the joints but will over the opposite knee and sit also help improve your core strength, posture and back as if you are in a chair. Hold for 15-30 seconds per stability. leg.

What are some stretches you would Upper Back Stretch recommend for woman who works in the lace your fingers out in front. jari love trades? Drop your shoulders back and down while trying to pull your physical work doesn’t equal physical fitness. 3. hands apart. Hold for 15-30 For those who are on their feet, lifting, seconds. read our interview with Jari to find out why moving and performing laborious tasks throughout the day, I would recommend stretching the major muscles of the legs as well as the back: How do absences and a 25% strength help prevent you think reduction in workplace back and knee injuries? lower Back Stretch 1. maintaining injuries. Overall, Calgary The muscles of the core calf stretch bend your knees slightly and Entrepreneur, a healthy employees who are are paramount to our tilt your upper body forwards, body influences work physically fit tend to standing on stairs, drop one lacing your hands behind the Jari heel off the stair and hold productivity? have fewer injuries and health and for preventing knees. Round your back and for 15-30 seconds per leg pull up gently. Hold for 15-30 Love are much less costly to injuries. A strong core Our physical seconds. companies. and health plays a huge role in Maintaining a healthy productivity. body influences all Studies by aspects of our lives. the Public When we are healthy quad stretch Do people often assume that doing health we have more energy, grab the laces of one foot physical labour counts as staying Agency of stamina, strength and and hold the knees in close together while pulling up on 4. physically healthy? Would you agree or Canada have endurance to do all the lifted leg. Hold this for disagree? Why? found that the things required 15-30 seconds per leg. adults who aren’t of us at work, home Yes – many people come to me saying that they physically active and at play. By eating helps us maintain good are active every day because their job requires take 27% more sick healthy and exercising posture, stability and them to move around and be on their feet. The days that those regularly, not only are improves our ability to question is though – do they ever get their heart who are. They we more physically fit; respond to stresses. A hamstring stretch rate up? If they do, how long does it stay up for? also found that we are more mentally strong core helps us extend one foot out in front while pushing your hips back According to the American College of Sports companies who fit. Healthy habits help avoid putting undue and tilting your upper body Medicine, adults should be getting at least 30-60 offer physical improve our mood, pressure on the knees forwards. For a greater minutes of moderate-intense cardio exercise, five activity mental clarity and focus. by maintaining proper stretch, flex the foot of the days per week. Moderate to intense equates to extended leg. Hold this for programs alignment. Having a your heart rate being between 60-90% of its max. What is the 15-30 seconds per leg. see a 20% strong core also helps It also states that adults should be weight training importance of reduction us avoid back pain/ 2-3 times per week performing a minimum of 8-10 building core in 2. injuries by effectively separate exercises and doing 8-12 repetitions of strength? How employee supporting our spine each. would building core 34 magazine | women in work boots

nutritional snack ideas Registered dietitian and nutritionist Sarah Remmer recommends these Nutritional Snacks for your toolbox.

A homemade trail mix of unsweetened dried fruit, nuts of choice, and a high fibre cereal.

Almonds are a great source of protein, healthy poly-unsaturated fats and fiber, and are rich in Vitamin E, B Vitamins and phytosterols.

Milk, soy or almond or dairy, in a shelf stable packaging