What were you doing before enrolling in West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women construction class?
I was working at fast food restaurants. I was trying to figure out what career to pursue, but nothing felt right. One day I went to the library, as I like to do my free time, and saw a poster advertising the Step Up class. Actually, I think I saw it on Facebook first, but the poster at the library was the first time I really took in the information and seriously considered it.
The program sounded great, so I did a little research and decided I wanted to enroll. However, I was facing transportation issues at the time which meant I had put off applying until I figured out a solution. It took some time, but eventually I applied and was accepted.
Can you tell me about your experience in the Step Up for Women construction program?
I was honestly a little staggered at first because, well, I just wasn’t used to having so much positive support. It was almost overwhelming if that makes sense, but the environment and the people were very welcoming. It ended up being the best thing I’ve ever done. I did not know what it felt like to have confidence until I took the class.
Is there anything from your time in Step Up that is particularly memorable to you?
I was really intimidated by welding, but it ended up being really fun! Our class also did a community project for Camp Mar-Mac. That was cool even though I kept getting stung by being bees! It’s part of the experience though. Haha
My class also toured an aerospace facility, and that experience got my gears turning. This visit is what got me interested in mechanics. I was like, “Okay, I don’t really want to work on planes because that’s a big responsibility, but cars are everywhere and require people to work on them. Also, I like that I can talk about cars with different people and make friends through our common interests.”
What was your experience like after you completed the class and started looking for jobs in the trades?
I started working at a car dealership near the end of the class. Every day I walked from my apartment to the dealership across the street to ask for a job. I told them, “Hey, I’m still here. I want a job. I don’t have tools or experience, but I want to work here.”
I eventually got my foot in the door and started working for the dealership as a detailer. They also worked out a deal with me. They offered to provide tools for me to use on the job, and those tools would be all mine if I worked for them for one year. The year is up, and now I have the tools I need to continue my career.
Right now, I work for AutoZone, and I’m working on finishing construction of a new AutoZone store which will be completed in a couple of weeks. Then, I will get started on another new store, and I’m going to be one of the first hands in there to build it from the ground up.
Do you have any advice for other women who want to pursue a career in the trades?
It takes work, and it takes motivation. A lot of that motivation not only comes from yourself but also from programs like Step Up that can offer that extra support. You’re going to do a lot of fighting, but the fight is worth it.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I once had a job cleaning a hotel, and I really enjoyed it. I thought about returning to the hospitality industry to find work, but this time I’ll use my professional experience and the construction skills I learned in Step Up to secure a job in maintenance.
Interview conducted, transcribed, and written by Marlynda Arnett, Program Innovation Leader for West Virginia Women Work.
