ABC NHVT News

Calli, Building Trades Student at Northwest Career & Technical Center

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:50:02 GMT

Why did you choose to pursue an education in the building trades?
I chose building trades at a young age. My older brother went through a program in New York and we went to an open house and I knew from that day on carpentry was the route to go. I love working hands-on, I love being able to use my imagination to create something helpful for others as well.

Which classes have been your favorite and why?
I loved taking Algebra and writing workshop, however, my all time favorite class will always be building trades. I love math and it has always come so easy to me. I also love writing, it's a way to just let go and escape. Building trades is so much fun and it is hands-on which is the way I learn best.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
Two other girls and I worked on remodeling a bathroom and I believe that was one of my favorite jobs. It was nice to work on a project with a small group and we really got to know one another. It was fun to reach bumps in the road and work together to get over them. I think the bathroom, when we were done, came out amazing.

What has your experience getting into the trades been like for you?
My experience overall has been pretty good. I would say having a female instructor in the trades who is successful has definitely inspired me to push myself to do my best. I have two other instructors who I’ve worked with to also improve my skills. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. As like many things in life, I’ve had hurdles to jump over. Some people aren’t used to the idea of girls being in the trade yet, but that’s okay because it’s more accepted than it used to be.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I hope to be out in the field building homes. I hope to have found the right company and to be doing what I love.

What advice would you give young women considering entering trade school?
I would say to stay strong and don’t give up. People are going to push you around and test you, but show up and do your best anyway. Remember to bring a good attitude because even if you don’t know what you’re doing, if you have a good attitude and are eager to learn, you’ll go places. Also, step out of your comfort zone to expand your knowledge and skills.

Olivia Costin, Project Manager with PC Construction

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 01:24:25 GMT

Why I chose a career in the construction industry:
I went into college knowing I wanted to study engineering, but unsure of what exactly I wanted to do with my degree. I remember going to a seminar for the civil engineering program and listening to one of the presenters talk about their work on some major bridge projects in the US. I spent a lot of time looking into construction after that and became fascinated with the concept that I could have a career helping build something out of nothing.

I chose a career in construction because I wanted to build things, I wanted to be challenged, and I wanted every day to be different.

What training or education did you need for your current role?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University.

What is a typical day like in your position?
A typical day for me is anything but the same. My day can range from meetings with owners, architects and engineers to phase planning sessions with our crews and subcontractors. Another day maybe have me reviewing RFIs and submittals that my team are working through or helping them solve an issue in the field. I am also involved with project financials and schedule updates.

What do you enjoy most about your career?
What I enjoy most about my career in construction is seeing a project come to fruition. Being able to be a part of a team that takes a design on paper and turns that into a physical building or structure that will be there for years to come is a really rewarding experience.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
When I first graduated from college, I went to work on a billion-dollar bridge project in the NY/NJ area. The sheer magnitude of that project and the complexity of bridge work were incredibly interesting. The most interesting project I’ve worked on for PC Construction might be the construction of One Spruce Peak, a six-story building consisting of 27 luxury condo units at the base of the ski mountain in Stowe, VT.

What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
My advice for any woman who might want to work in the construction industry is to learn everything you can and utilize your skills to help you grow. Construction is still very much a male-dominated field, which can be daunting, but I have done well in this industry, and I have seen many others succeed as well.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I really enjoy my job and being able to pave the way for other women to come into the industry and challenge the status quo. Women make the construction industry better every day. I am so grateful for those who have come before to allow me the opportunities I’ve had, and I will continue to do what I can to lift up and support other women in our industry.

Resources for WIC Week 2022

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:28:11 GMT

This year’s Women in Construction Week (WIC) will be observed March 6-12, 2022. The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry.

How will you recognize the women in your company and our industry this year? We have a few ideas to share with you!

Give a shout out to the women in your company on social media during WIC Week and use hashtags like these: #wicweekNH, #wicweekVT, #wicweek, #NAWIC and of course, #abcnhvt. Here are examples from EnviroVantage, Fulcrum, and Methuen Construction.
Create a graphic to share on social media giving a shout out to the women in your company. You can use a free design program like Canva.com to create the image. We used Canva last year and created images for social media. Check it out and use this as inspiration if you'd like.
NAWIC has a list of available resources on their website.
The NH NAWIC chapter is coodinating a blood drive during WIC Week.

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