CAMPAIGN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT ISSUES WOMEN FACE WORKING IN TRADES

Being a woman working in a non-traditional job is not easy.  That is just the truth.  It can be awesome, and it can be so empowering and the sense of independence is amazing.  However, pretending there are not challenges is being naive. The low percentage of women working in industry and trades speaks the truth (although the numbers are increasing steadily!).  In this article, ironworker and welder Jamie McMillan is doing something about one of those challenges. It is a campaign to help raise awareness of lack of childcare options and flexible hours.  I can relate. I was fortunate enough to start my work in the trades when my children were older and more independent.  Work in industry and trades can mean crazy long unpredictable hours.  It was not uncommon for me to do 10, 12 or 14 hour days (particularly in the snow plow when it just wouldn't stop snowing!).  Often jobs are not on schedules, you finish when the job is done.  When pouring concrete, I couldn't just say "Sorry guys, we can't finish pouring your driveway. I need to get to daycare!" 

Hats off to you Jamie for doing something about the issue!! This photo is Jamie in action.