Women In The Trades: An Excerpt From a Graduated First Nations Woman

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“I am a First Nation female. I’m from Kahkewistahaw First Nation which is in Saskatchewan, and I am a Welding and Fabrication Technician grad of Loyalist College. Being a female considering a career in the trades caused quite a few raised eyebrows and shaking heads, but I also had a lot of people supporting me each step of the way and who believed I could do anything I set out to do. I graduated from Loyalist College in 2019 from the Welding and Fabrication program. I chose welding because it has many possible branches that I could pursue if I decided I wanted to go beyond that. It also carries over to a lot of other trades. I remember being the only girl in the class. Loyalist has amazing trades faculty who made all the difference – they encouraged me and gave every student equal opportunities.  My best advice to women considering trades as a career pathway is to not be intimidated by anybody or anything that gets in the way of you wanting to try.  Ignore those who tell you that it’s going to be too hard or beyond your capabilities. You can make an amazing living as a tradesperson. And of course, always believe in yourself.” Mandy is now working with Whitby Industrial Maintenance Ltd. as their on-site welder at a paper mill in Scarborough, Ontario.  

In a world where the demand for skilled trades is big,  it pays to start small. Located in Belleville, Ontario,  Loyalist College’s beautiful 200-acre campus is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. 

Loyalist offers more than 15 full-time diplomae, certificates and apprenticeship programs in Skilled Trades,  Building Sciences, Biosciences, and Applied Sciences.  Our programs are designed to prepare students for the workforce with hands-on learning led by industry experts in small classes and with related field placements.  

Success story provided by: Mandy Louison – Welding & Fabrication Graduate