Women in Trades

Barton Mines LLC, Curtis Lumber Company Commercial Paving Company D.A. Collins Family of Companies Eastern Millwright Regional Council Espey Mfg. Electronics Corp. Express Employment Professionals of Albany The Fort Miller Group, Inc. Hudson Valley Community College Hunt Companies, Inc. LEAP - Learning, Employment, Assistance, Partnership Local 7 Plumbers & Steamfitters National Grid North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Stone Bridge Iron & Steel, Teakwood Builders, Inc., U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 773, UBC Millwrights U.S. Air Force Recruiting Veterans & Community Housing Coalition - Vethelp Saratoga Economic Development Corp Warren County Employment & Training Administration!



HVAC instructor
When asked what advice she’d give to women interested in the trades, Alison said, “Nothing feels better than the knowledge you have when you know a trade. I wish I had the time to do more than one. Embrace the trade you love, it will pay off.” She continued by saying, “Don't let people discourage you from doing something you love and feel passionate about. It's awesome to help show other women how unique and talented they can be.”

Former CDL program student
Brittany grew up in Schuylerville. She earned her associate’s degree in criminal justice from Herkimer CCC and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies (minor in sociology) from SUNY Potsdam. After working as a NYS corrections officer for almost 5 years, a friend suggested she apply for a gas mechanic position at National Grid.
Brittany said, “After looking into the position, I realized it would be a great fit and I took the CDL course through WSWHE BOCES to get my Class A license and meet the job requirements.” She really enjoys the job and that she’s able to learn new things about heavy equipment and new tools. Recently, she went to training to learn how to use a backhoe, skid steer, and mini excavator as well. “The best part about the job is the satisfaction at the end of the day - I get to accomplish a goal with my crew.”
She supports women in the trades and said, “I can still remember the feeling I had when a supervisor asked who had their Class A license in a room full of new gas mechanics. I was the only female in that room - I felt such pride and accomplishment raising my hand when some men in the room could not.”
When asked what advice she would give women looking into the trades, Brittany said that, “Many people stress going to college, but I wish I had gone to WSWHE BOCES in high school for heavy equipment and welding. Trade schools provide the hands on experience that we sometimes can’t obtain in a college setting.”

CDL Instructor (Class A, B & in-the-cab)
Meet Becky, one of our CDL Instructors (Class A, B & in-the-cab). She jokes that she was “born” into this industry since her dad showed up at the hospital that day with a cattle trailer. She’s been around transportation for as long as she can remember. That’s what makes her such a great instructor and business owner.
Becky was an owner-operator (owned the truck) for 9 years. She and her husband drove cross-country with their 2 dogs for almost 4 of those years. They then started working and driving in the Northeast. As her full time driving career came to a close in 2008, she went to work at a local flatbed carrier in the office. She was a dispatcher, took care of safety and was a manager. In 2016 she decided to open her own safety and compliance company directed towards single owner-operators and small fleets (less than 15 trucks). Around a year later she became a part-time CDL instructor with us at ETA/WSWHE BOCES teaching both in-cab and classroom. She is also currently the Eastern Regional secretary for the Trucking Association of New York.
Becky said she decided to get into this field of work because, “Transportation is in my blood. It is an industry I am passionate about. I try to find ways to give back, including working with TANY and working at WSWHE BOCES, offering a guiding hand to the next generation of truck drivers.”
When asked what she loves about this field, she said it’s “The camaraderie. Trucking is by nature an individualized job, but when you stop somewhere, you meet people with similar interests. You have the freedom to be yourself, see the country and be by yourself, you are not stuck in a cubicle every day.”
Her advice to women interested in the trades is, “Go for it! It is a lifestyle that allows you to explore this vast, amazing country we live in.”

Now, this distinguished Chef is here in upstate New York where she feels she can make a contribution by using her vast experience to inspire and instruct the next generation.

Former HVAC student
She originally started in this field of work with no knowledge of plumbing, heating and refrigeration other than “identifying the difference between my water heater and furnace” as she jokes. When asked why she chose this field, Larissa said “I was looking for an opportunity to continue learning. I enjoy the ever changing and evolving industry and there is always something to learn and even better, someone to help - which I think is what I love most about our industry… people need you.” She said she has experts all around her to get her customers the right information and materials.”
Larissa said she chose to attend the ETA HVAC classes after work, “to give me the best hands on education. This has given me the understanding I need to help customers in the field and in our store. I love engaging with people, supporting them and giving them quality service.”
When asked about advice she’d give to women interested in the trades, Larissa stated, “If you are interested in the trades, Go After It. There aren’t enough women in this field. The few I do know are well rounded, have a great reputation and are driven women. You don’t have to be installing or repairing either. I work in sales but when I can get my hands dirty I do.” She continued by saying, “I don’t believe in barriers to women and you shouldn’t either… I’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for 9 years now, drumming for 6 and recently I have been taking guitar lessons. All of these activities, and my career bring me joy and that’s all that matters at the end of the day.”

Former Welding Program Student
Meet Morgan. She completed all three welding levels with ETA and passed her AWS exam!
Morgan’s interest in welding began when she took an oxy acetylene class at York Technical College in high school. Initially, she was interested in underwater welding when she signed up for this class and became even more interested after.
Morgan grew up in Fort Mill, SC and graduated from SC Whitmore School. Recently, she moved to Queensbury to be closer to family.
When asked about the welding field, Morgan said, “I really love this field because I enjoy working with my hands and creating something from a piece of metal.” She continued by saying, “I want to learn as many trades as I can so that I can do things myself instead of relying on another person or company to do what I need. And, I do not want to work behind a desk for the rest of my life.”
Morgan said that if she continues to learn different trades, she’ll be able to fix anything that needs it... from welding to HVAC to auto.
“One thing I want to tell women in trades is that it does take a lot of hard work to earn the same respect as men in this field, but it is definitely worth it. You may be the only woman in your workplace but with a lot of effort and hard work you can easily surpass all of the men in your field.”
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