What were you doing before you joined WV Women Work’s Step Up for Women construction class?
I was working at Camp Dawson as an administrator and helping with the drill that came in. I’d help them log on to their computers and whatever else they needed. I also worked at the Challenge Academy at the same time, so I had two jobs.
How did you hear about Step Up?
I heard about it through Facebook and kept seeing it on my feed. After thinking about it, I decided I’d try it out. I wanted to get out of the computer lab and find a job where I could be outdoors.
What was your experience like in class? Was there anything that was particularly memorable for you?
To be truthful, I had an older brother and always hung out with the dudes. I was a girly girl, but I was still one of the guys and always wanted to do what they did. You get to be tough, and we would all try to outdo each other. This is how I learned to enjoy heavy lifting and physical work because I enjoy its challenge. That’s why I was interested in Step Up—for the challenge.
Laying blocks was something that sticks out in my mind as a Step Up project I enjoyed. We helped build stairs at a local 4H camp, and it was so fun to be able to say, “I did that.” We demolished and then rebuilt them to make them nicer and newer.
Can you describe your experience when you started looking for a job after completing Step Up?
Actually, the job search went pretty smoothly. I didn’t think I was going to get a job right away because I didn’t have any real work experience at the time. However, Step Up helped me learn the basics, and I could show employers that I’ve learned to weld, have certifications in plumbing, and can operate a forklift. Those were the main things that got me noticed.
I applied at two different places and joined the Ironworkers Local 549 through Wheeling, WV. I chose that union because the work seemed really exciting. I watched ironworking videos on YouTube and was like “Holy moly! I’m scared of heights, but this is awesome!” I wanted to get out there and challenge myself. I thought it looked really fun, and it’s outside work which I love.
What do you like most about being in the union?
Everyone’s got your back. They respect you. Any time you need help, they are right there to support you and always go the extra mile. It’s been an amazing journey.
I’m still learning, and it’s nice when you get hooked up with a coworker with a lot of experience who will stick by your side and help you.
You always have work. The apprenticeship lasts three years, and you have class on top of the work, so they keep you busy. They also make sure you get plenty of hands-on experience.
Do you have any advice for other women who want to work in the trades?
Any woman who is interested in the trades should give it a shot, especially if you like to be active. Just try it!
Don’t be nervous if you don’t know anything yet. Everyone’s learning something every day, and that goes for me as well as the guys who work beside me.
Also, never let other people’s negative talk influence you. People will have something to say no matter what you do. Just put a smile on your face, do the work, and enjoy the satisfaction of looking at your work like “Yeah, I can do that.” Be positive about it.
It’s more common for women to work in the trades, and I think the guys are cool with us being there. One thing I like about the guys at my union is you never hear them put down anyone, and they like and respect women.
Just go out there and have fun with your job and everything you’re going to learn.
Interview conducted, transcribed, and written by Marlynda Arnett, Program Innovation Leader for West Virginia Women Work.
