Meet our staff Brenda Smith, Enforcement Officer Along with being a well-known advocate and champion for women in the trades, Smith has many years’ experience in the electrician trade as a 309A Construction and Maintenance electrician, which is a Red Seal trade.
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How long have you been with the College? In 2013 I started my position as an Enforcement Officer with the Compliance and Enforcement Division of the College. I have worked as an electrician from the time I began as an apprentice in 1999 until early 2013 when I joined the College. What attracted you to the position of Enforcement Officer with the College? I know exactly how complex trades and apprenticeship can be. Prior to my position with the College, I worked voluntarily as an advocate for apprentices and trades promotion. I was attracted to this the position because I am a journeyperson and have a good understanding of current apprenticeship and training and believe I can introduce the concept of compliance and the benefits of enforcement in a positive manner.
“Trades today are a wonderful outlet to do something meaningful. No two days are the same.”
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How did you get into the trades? With determination, persistence and a genuine desire to build something lasting. I knocked on doors and made phone calls, learned everything I could. I did it all on my own merit. I did not have the comfort of working with my father, uncles or relatives because they are not in the trades.
Trades today are a wonderful outlet to do something meaningful. No two days are the same. You have a chance to meet so many people from all over the world and make lasting friendships. Experiencing different cultures and continuous learning are just the tip of the iceberg. As far as compensation goes, it’s fair and sustainable. Working hours will vary from employer to employer. There are definitely jobs where you work eight hours a day and can still have a family life. There are so many grants and bursaries available for employees and employers now that weren’t available when I started. Getting paid to learn is a great way to start a career.
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Do you think it’s difficult for women to fit into some of the more male-dominated fields and sectors or has that changed?
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Yes it is hard to fit in, especially if you don’t know anyone there. It is difficult to be new in any workplace, but when you are different from anyone else, it can be somewhat isolating. The culture of the trades is slowly changing. Some trades are slower to change than others. I found out the hard way that written workplace policies do not always reflect the culture of the workplace. In an ideal world the workplace would be welcoming to everyone. One way to achieve this is with small gestures such as proper fitting uniforms, suitable, properly sized personal protective equipment and a seat at the crew lunch table.
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What is the best piece of advice you would give to women and youth who are thinking about entering the skilled trades in Ontario?
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Keep a daily journal. This is the most important thing any apprentice or journeyperson can do. It will keep you organized; it will help you to remember and stay on task. Besides, it is a record of everything you have done, learned and achieved. It is an accurate account of your hours of progression and career achievements. Believe in yourself and keep your standards high.
Which sector(s) or regions are you mainly involved with? I perform inspections and promote the College to the following sectors: Motive Power, Construction, and Service.
In your opinion, what are some of the benefits of working in the skilled trades today?