A high school shop class was not a place Shianne Pineda particularly wanted to be. But she could never have guessed that the compulsory course would be the first step on an unexpected journey to a career in the Red Seal trades. But with time – and encouragement – she discovered her destination.
“I hated it at first, and then I just gradually got better,” says Pineda, now 23.
“The teachers saw a lot of potential in me and they’re like – you can come take my job. They saw what I didn’t see.”
Pineda took the leap and committed to completing her training as a welder.
“Becoming a Red Seal…It’s a bragging point for my mom. She loves telling everyone and anyone that I’m a Red Seal welder,” she says.
Working in traditionally male-dominated trades, Pineda says that learning to be tough and knowing that men and women communicate differently is part of the learning curve.
“Just don’t take anything to heart – that’s how I overcome it. They mean well, even though they’re not saying it well.”
Red Seal trades are demanding and mean shift work, but balance is possible.
“Just try to keep yourself active and interact with as many people as you can – it balances out,” she says.
“This is the way I look at it – this is for my future. I won’t be on this shift forever. I’ve just got to get through the rough times so I can have a better future.”
Pineda encourages interested women to pursue the Red Seal trades. She says overcoming inherent challenges is worth it. Good mentors can help get you there.
“My welding instructor was male and he was like: Go kick some butt! He never discouraged me, even when I had a hard time.”
Encouragement can be as simple as the instructor saying, “you’re a good welder”.
Pineda says communication is a key skill for success in the trades.
“There are a lot of things you have to ask about. It’s just having the confidence to ask and get reassurance you’re doing everything right.”
Some women may find working primarily with men to be intimidating, even fearing potential harassment.
“Yes, you have to deal with that,” she says.
“But also, you meet really good people – people who respect what you do”.
The Red Seal trades offer a bright future for women. Even after certification, Red Seal trades are a place to continually hone valuable skills and grow as a professional.
“I would like to be a supervisor,” says Shianne Pineda.
“So, I’m trying to keep pushing, and keep learning. What I’ve learned from my achievements is that if I put my mind to it, nothing can stop me.”
The First Peoples Development Inc.’s LauncHER into Trades project is geared to help women apprentices in Manitoba navigate challenges that may impact progression in attaining a journey-person designation in a Red Seal trade.
LauncHER provides tailored support, resources, and mentorship to women such as Shianne. The project will follow and guide women on their journey to success.
It will also assist employers in providing support to the women apprentices on their team. By embracing equity and inclusion, companies entice valuable, skilled workers to their workplaces.
Learn more about the LauncHER into Trades project or other FPDI initiatives:
204-987-9570 or fpdinc.ca.