Tune in & Take a break, We're on Smoko!
Today we are extremely lucky to be joined by Patricia Robinson, a first-year carpentry apprentice, who shares her incredible journey and inspiring switch from office administration to carpentry. Patricia's curiosity and love for learning new skills led her down a transformative path, and now she's making her mark in the industry.
Patricia's story is one of breaking barriers. She candidly discusses her initial unfamiliarity with power tools and carpentry, and how she conquered them with a can-do mindset and the support of mentors and community. With each new skill mastered, her confidence grew, and she became obsessed with learning more.
Patricia talks all things carpentry, discussing her day to day and her current job installing scaffolding and working at heights. While scaffolding may not be her long-term focus, Patricia recognizes the value of gaining knowledge in this field. She encourages others to embrace new opportunities and not shy away from the unknown. Patricia's carpentry apprenticeship journey has been an incredible experience so far, balancing on-the-job training and schooling. She expresses gratitude to her Local for their support and looks forward to becoming a journey-person in the near future.
Patricia finds pride and joy in every aspect of carpentry, from framing to scaffolding and formwork. The excitement of creating something from nothing and seeing it come to life fuels her passion. She highlights the pride and satisfaction of playing a part in building structures, whether it's driving a screw or hauling wood up stairs. Her current dream project is framing houses, but she remains open to new experiences as she continues her journey.
Patricia's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond her work. She is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity, contributing to new builds and renovations, giving families a fresh, clean space to call home. She also finds empowerment and solidarity through Women on Site, a safe space where women in trades come together, share experiences, and support each other.
Throughout her journey, Patricia finds inspiration in unexpected places, particularly through the incredible community on Instagram. Seeing women in trades, especially carpentry, doing amazing things pushes her to strive for more. She hopes to pay it forward and inspire other women to pursue their dreams through her own profile.
In this podcast episode, Patricia Robinson's story breaks misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of embracing growth. She encourages fellow women in trades to challenge biased notions, learn from their mistakes, ask for help, and seek guidance. Together, we can change the narrative and create a supportive community that empowers everyone!
Take a break, we're on Smoko!
The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.
