Women in Skilled Trades are Driving a Tradesperson Renaissance

Greg Crumpton lives by a simple mantra: Relationships drive business. Each week on Straight Outta Crumpton, Crumpton dives into the lost art of networking and speaks with the biggest influencers in business services to learn how they build, nurture and value their professional relationships.

Skilled trades certainly don’t get the respect or attention they deserve. In fact, there’s a shortage of tradespeople to do these essential jobs. However, new programs are shining a light on this and encouraging women into the fields. Joining hosts Tyler Kern and Greg Crumpton to chat about this is electrical apprentice Shannon Tymosko, Ambassador for KickAss Careers.

Crumpton came to know Tymosko’s story through the founder of KickAss Careers, Jamie McMillan. Tymosko explained her work with the organization, “As an ambassador, I’m an advocate for skilled trades. This was a second career for me, but it’s never too late to make a change to something you enjoy.”

Tymosko’s journey to electrician has been unconventional. She spent 10 years in a professional career but felt unfilled. “I was looking for other jobs and found this apprentice program for women. Through the program, I met Jamie, and it was inspiring to see a real woman in the field,” she noted.

As an ambassador and passionate supporter of the trades, Tymosko talked about the misperceptions. “People think it’s for the uneducated or those that can’t cut in university. That’s not true. You go to school and experience what it’s like to be an electrician. It’s a myth that it’s not for smart people. You can also make good money,” she said.

One thing that also stands out in talking to young people is that trade schools, at least in Canada, don’t require debt. Tymosko’s employer pays for her to go to school. “If young people knew this, then they’d be more likely to consider it as an option,” she added.

Tymosko is always glad to share her story to inspire and motivate others. Hear more of it by listening to the episode.

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