The employment market being what it has been for the last few years has clearly changed the responsibilities and duties of my previous position as a proposal coordinator; archaic even with a college diploma and over 15 years of experience. Employers now have a broader candidate pool with even more updated skills. 

I had been unemployed for several months. Started a part-time job in a grocery store near by my home. It’s convenient, totally different from what I am used to, but not necessarily what I am looking for.

I felt like I wasn’t needed, worthless and too old to get back in the game competing against a younger crowd. I had hit bottom, my happiness and joie de vive took a dive. 

And then one day, my friend told me that she was going to take this funded program at SAIT called emPower, Women In Trades! I told her good for you! Her reply was: “why don’t you come, you got nothing to lose but time! Think about it.” 

The next week, there were still some seats available. My friend passed me Natalie Smith’s contact information and I registered. I didn’t know what I was getting into at that point, but boy am I happy I did! 

Coming into the emPOWER program was one of the best things that could have happened to me. It gave me that little boost of confidence I needed, it made me feel like I have purpose and am not too old to learn and carry on. I cherish every moment spent with the group. We encourage, support each other, and understand each and everyone’s trials and tribulations without judgment.  

So far, I have learned to appreciate the trades and realize that I could have done this a long time ago. I realized that being back in school after 3.5 decades, that my brain is still functional and all that paying attention in class is paying off!

I want to thank Tara Ursulescu, emPOWER manager, Natalie Smith emPOWER coordinator, SAIT, and every woman in our class for this experience! Let’s do this! 

Visit our website empowerab.ca for more information on this amazing program.

A Manpower Alberta program.