Page 4 - Building Trades Preview Issue

The Sky is the Limit!

WOMEN CAN FILL THE GAPS. J URNEYMAN CAN HELP. CONSTRUCTION IS NOT JUST FOR THE BOYS!
J urneyman was founded by Jamie Construction is not just a job for the boys; today many women
McMillan, an ironworker who are enjoying great careers in the trades. Today, intelligence,
passionately believes that women creativity and training are highly valued, most of the muscle is
have what it takes to be successful provided by machines. The members of the Building Trades are
in this male-dominated industry. The working smarter, not harder. Modern technology and equipment
Journeyman program has achieved have provided the workforce with a mechanical advantage to
national support and recognition, make our workplace less hazardous and more ergonomically
and continues to build momentum friendly. Technology has opened doors for women to join a once
every day. The female symbol in male dominated workforce and bring home a substantial pay
Journeyman represents our belief check. Now women from all walks of life are joining union
that the journeyman status is determined by skill, not gender. apprenticeship programs and becoming successful, respected
Successful journeymen can be male or female, and should be journeymen.
treated as equals and as professionals.
J urneyman is represented by selected female members of
Canada’s Building Trades Unions across the country. They are
apprentices or journeymen from the unionized skilled trades
under the Building Trades umbrella.
These representatives are responsible for:
• Mentoring and supporting working and aspiring tradeswomen
and men across the country, in addition to promoting the great
career opportunities that exist in each of the 14 union
affiliates.
• Attending various regional and local events on behalf of the
Building Trades, including networking and mentorship
functions, charity and media event as well as trade shows and
career fairs.
• Answering questions and providing guidance as experienced
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTORSHIP
journeymen.
J urneyman also operates its own volunteer mentorship
As women working in the trades, the Journeyman team see an
program. Female and male building trades mentors can help
opportunity and a responsibility to promote the great careers
address many of the barriers that exist that prevent or
awaiting young women and men in trades and technology. Great
discourage women from pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
salaries, benefits and pensions, lifelong learning, advancement
Studies have shown that women who are exposed to trades and
and job satisfaction: what’s not to love?
technology while young, have role models in the industry and
Lindsay Amundsen, Director of Program Development and prepare for a male-dominated workplaces have long and
Operations for Journeyman, said each of the representatives successful careers in the trades.
work in a variety of trades and have diverse backgrounds, stories
“The more we [at Journeyman] educate young women and men
and experiences.
through mentorship, the more they will see the many incredible
“What inspires me about our representatives is how much they career paths they can pursue in the skilled trades. There are 14
love what they do. They are passionate, strong and dedicated to affiliated Building Trades unions in Canada and over 60
what they do. I feel that they are trailblazers for the next apprenticeships within them, journeyman wages that range from
generation of tradeswomen. I am so proud to work with them and $35 to $45 per hour, and a range of work from coast to coast.
I am so proud of the Journeyman program,” said Amundsen. It sells itself,” said McMillan.

4 ~ MAY 2014 CANADIAN BUILDING TRADES MAGAZINE