Women In Trades Wednesday- Marcelle
Image courtesy of Masterlink
Marcelle is a plumbing apprentice who is currently 6 months into her apprenticeship. She is studying through Masterlink.
Initially, Marcelle had planned a career in the army once leaving school and had also been accepted into university to study Criminology and Criminal Justice. She was accepted for a scholarship but knew her heart wasn’t in it.
Just as Marcelle was about to finish her schooling year, she remembers running to her careers advisor asking for help to get into a trade. “At first I didn’t know which trade but I knew I wanted to do one. I decided on plumbing and the careers advisor helped me through it all. The rest was history”.
The careers advisor recommended a local plumbing company. “I had her calling the company daily to ask if I could come in for an interview. I had nothing holding me back from coming in over the holidays and proving that I was worth offering an apprenticeship to. I worked hard and felt determined to show I was capable and dedicated to the jobs I was given. In the end, I was offered what I had been working towards. I’m thankful that it was noticed how motivated I was and how much getting this apprenticeship meant to me.”
A typical day at work for Marcelle consists of installing water fixtures, hot water cylinders, vanities and other bathroom utilities. She’s done pipe outs, spouting replacements and is always being “kept on her toes”.
Inspired by her partner who has nearly finished his apprenticeship, Marcelle says “I think what really got me interested was the way he’d talk about his trade, he absolutely loves it. I thought about trades a lot after listening to him and I decided that it was something I wanted to look into”.
There were some challenges. “It was more of a mental health game for me, I felt defeated knowing I didn’t have much support at the time. I felt lost but I was willing to guide myself through it, if that was what it took. I still struggle with things and I’m just starting to take in the reality of it all.”
Marcelle loves the variety in her trade. “I love that it includes multiple different jobs and we’re not in the same environment for too long. I also love how much thought you put into the work. Strategies and problem solving really interest me and this job has it all. I love the fact that I’m able to learn on the job and discover as I go. It keeps it interesting.”
Installing her first hot water cylinder is Marcelle’s most proud career achievement so far. “I find it a bit hard but once I get used to it I’ll be well on my way to installing them on my own”. Future career goals include finishing her apprenticeship and possibly starting her own business in the far future. “I’ve only just begun my apprenticeship. I think I’ve settled in well and I’m looking forward to earning my way up.”
On advice to getting your foot in the door, Marcelle says: “For me personally, I wish I had started off in Gateway during school and had a head start before jumping right in. It can pay to check out all trades first and get a feel for which one’s for you. You get the opportunity to experience it first and decide if you’re keen on moving forward with it after you finish school. This allows you to keep your options open and you don’t have to finalise anything until you’ve found the right one for you. If you want to learn, go for it!.”