OBCT

🛠️ In Order to Be It, You Gotta See It!

This week, we caught up with Lea Jacobson as part of , a with UA Local 628! 🔥

Lea shared some career updates with us since we last spoke with her, saying, "I have recently become UA Local 628’s first ever journeywoman, and am still the only woman in the union hall to date. This is a huge milestone for myself and the union hall! Right now, I am working on a battery separator build in Southern Ontario (away from my home local), welding all stainless piping. I am so excited to continue my journey as a positive role model for young women, especially now as a Red Seal Welder, and hopefully encourage some more young ladies join Thunder Bay’s Local 628 some day soon!" 💪💖

Lea is also involved with the outside of her daily work, sharing, "I have participated in the past two years of the Jill of All Trades event as a mentor for young female students wanting to explore career opportunities in welding and the skilled trades! I sometimes speak with the young ladies who are enrolled in the Welding Techniques program at the college in Thunder Bay, providing them insights and a fresh perspective into what a life in the trades can mean for them. I thoroughly enjoy inspiring and empowering the next upcoming generation and I look forward to finding many more ways to do so in the future!" Keep inspiring Lea! 🙌

🛠️ In Order to Be It, You Gotta See It!

This week, we're featuring Michelle Mulder for , a ! 🏠

Michelle's skilled trades journey began when she took a construction carpentry class in college. She shares, "We covered a lot of different areas, but the roofing lesson was the one that stuck with me the most. It just sparked something! There was something about it that felt different. The pace, the challenge, being up high, and seeing the results right away, it all clicked for me in a way nothing else did. From there, I decided to lean into it and give it a real shot. Once I got out on a roof and started doing it for real, I knew this was something I could turn into a career." 🔨

Michelle shares the benefits of being a tradeswoman: "Working in the trades gives you something a lot of careers can’t. You get to see the results of your work every single day. There’s a real sense of pride in building something with your hands and knowing it’s going to last. It’s also incredibly empowering. You gain skills that make you more independent, confident, and capable, on and off the job." 👷‍♀️

As a roofer, Michelle reflects on the challenges, saying, "The physical demand is real. Long days, tough weather, and your body definitely feels it. At the end of the day, the challenges are part of what make the wins feel bigger. This industry isn’t always easy, but that’s exactly why it’s worth it!" 💪

📣 Heads up OBCT crew, the next Skilled Trades Information Session is happening on June 1st!

Our popular trades info session has moved from monthly to quarterly, so mark your calendars before you miss the next one in September! 🙌

Come spend the evening learning, connecting, and meeting other tradeswomen! 💫

🗓 June 1st
⏰ 6-7PM
📍 Virtual

Sign up now at https://bit.ly/4uHTksb

🛠️ In Order to Be It, You Gotta See It!

This week, we're featuring Jillian Avery for , a with UA Local 663! 👩‍🔧

Jillian is a third generation tradesperson, sharing, "My dad was in the same union as well as my uncle and grandfather." 💪

As a woman working in the trades, Jillian shares, "The greatest benefits of working in the trades in my opinion is the chance to travel all over the country and even other countries while working, and meeting many talented, like-minded people along the way. I have personally worked in Ontario, Manitoba, BC, and Quebec, and look forward to seeing more places!" ✈️

Jillian encourages other women to join the skilled trades, saying, "When I first got a job in the trades (almost 10 years ago), I was almost always the only girl on site. But just recently I signed on to a job and 4 out of the 9 people were women. We are here, and we are ready for you to join us! As long as you show up, and show interest, people will respect it whether you’re a man or a woman." Well said Jillian! 🙌

Did you know? 👀

The majority of respondents in our 2025 Tradeswomen Survey said they see themselves staying in the skilled trades. 🔨

Whether it’s meaningful work, interesting jobsites, or opportunities to grow, what is the biggest factor that makes you want to stay in the trades? 💜

Share with us your thoughts! ✨

Have you ever wondered what a Heat & Frost Insulator does? 👩‍🔧

Listen to Amanda Kyle-Doyle as she shares how her trade helps buildings reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs. 🏢🌿

For Amanda, making buildings more sustainable is especially rewarding because it gives her kids a healthier future! 🌎

Tag a Heat & Frost Insulator below! 👇