Melissa

Meet Melissa

Melissa was one of the first-ever women to graduate from Women Building Futures. 

When she enrolled in the Journeywoman Start program (now Journey to Trades) in 2002, she became a member of its fourth-ever class, training in construction in a small basement with just a handful of women. At WBF’s first location, Melissa studied in a workshop built by the students. 

Now after more than 20 years of experience as a journeyperson scaffolder, she has seen the trades flourish, and is now a mentor to women who want to carve out a career in the sector. 

“Back when I started out, the culture was very different, and there was a lot of pressure to prove yourself,” she says. 

“Now, I’m able to mentor the younger staff coming in and show them that women can do what men can do – if not better!” she says. 

When Melissa decided to enroll on the program, she wanted to make better money and build a good career for herself.  

Up until that point, she had worked “dead-end jobs” to make ends meet, first as a waitress in a restaurant, then as a cashier in a supermarket. 

“My life before Women Building Futures was pretty plain,” she says. “I didn’t do anything exciting. I wanted to build a better future for me and my family.” 

A support system 

Through the program, Melissa was trained to start an entry-level role in the construction trades. After learning about several areas, she decided to start a career in scaffolding. 

“Women Building Futures really opened my eyes to different trades that are out there, including different job opportunities within your own trade,” she says. 

“After I finished the program, I worked in a couple of scaffolding yards building houses. It was amazing to apply what I had learned in the classroom out in the field.  

“The program really helped grow my confidence when I was working in the field with a bunch of men.  

In the times Melissa has faced unemployment, she has been able to turn to Women Building Futures, who can connect her to opportunities with good, reliable employers. 

“My last two jobs I’ve gotten I’ve gotten through Women Building Futures through a referral program and it’s amazing,” Melissa says. 

“The last time I was assisted, I had a job within a week. It’s amazing how having the right qualifications and experience can help you get back in in the field when you’re struggling.” 

More women in the skilled trades 

“To think that there’s now over 100 classes that have gone through and graduated… I think it’s amazing to know that there are that many women in the field now.”

For Melissa, it’s clear that without Women Building Futures, she wouldn’t be where she is today. 

 “I’d probably still be bagging groceries and working dead-end jobs to try and make ends meet,” she says. “Now I have 3 children, and I’m so glad that I can buy them what they need.”