Contrary to what some may think, there are some women, like welder Alicia Johnstone, who like the idea of getting their hands dirty and fixing things.

B次元官网网址淚 used to love helping my father with tools growing up,B次元官网网址� says Alicia Johnstone, who has dabbled in trades as she turned 20. B次元官网网址淗e showed me so much and I always had the attitude to know how to do everything, rather than relying on someone else.B次元官网网址�

Initially finding a job within a mine, her work ethic allowed her to land new positions around the mine, landing a job as a millwright apprentice. Born in Campbell River, she eventually moved back to town and pursued a career in welding.

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B次元官网网址淚 was curious in how to do it,B次元官网网址� said Johnstone. B次元官网网址淚 found I loved the environment around steel. It was rewarding both mentally and physically.B次元官网网址�

Johnstone is a rare breed: a woman who is attracted to the skilled trades. Although the numbers are growing in recent years, it is still low. According to Statistics CanadaB次元官网网址檚 data about growth in the construction trades, from 2015 to 2019, the numbers are: bricklayer, one per cent; carpenter, four per cent; electrician, three per cent; plumber, two per cent; and welder. According to the Canadian Welder BureauB次元官网网址檚 annual welding industry report in 2022, out of the 80,900 welders across Canada, only four per cent were female.

However, the leaders of women in skilled trades among provinces in Canada were Alberta, at 6.8 per cent, and British Columbia, at 6.4 per cent.

Johnstone said that there has been some doubters of her skill over her time as a welder, most of the comments directed simply because she was a female.

B次元官网网址淲hen someone made comments about me, I simply assumed they didnB次元官网网址檛 know better,B次元官网网址� said Johnstone. B次元官网网址淭rying to prove that I belong in this industry is to stay strong mentally, because I am a woman. But that shouldnB次元官网网址檛 matter.B次元官网网址�

She says that a push for women in trades should come from a further push of equality. She says there are benefits to trades and flexibility she probably couldnB次元官网网址檛 get anywhere else.

B次元官网网址淭he cost of living is so high, trades tend to have a more livable wage,B次元官网网址� said Johnstone. B次元官网网址淭here are a lot more opportunities for advancement in certain fields as well.B次元官网网址�

Edward Hitchins
edward.hitchins@campbellrivermirror.com
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