In celebration of Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, we are highlighting a few of the awesome women here at JEN COL. We asked each of them to share their thoughts on women’s roles in construction.
Project Manager
Vicky recently joined JEN COL as a Project Manager and has been in the construction industry for over 20 years.
What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
When I can drive around and point at buildings and say “I was part of that build”. To know that you started with a blank slate and created something that people are using daily.
What’s the best part of your job?
When we reach a scheduled milestone and everyone from subtrades, consultants and owners feel the pride of having reached an important accomplishment. Everyone has that feeling of teamwork and it keeps the project moving forward with a positive feeling.
How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?
Construction can be a tough industry to work in as a female, I have been fortunate to have had some great mentors in my career to help me navigate through some difficult situations. I think if more women who are in the industry mentored younger women (like a buddy system) who are interested it would help them in what can sometimes be a bit scary in a male dominated industry.
Who inspires you?
Men, women, children. Anyone who is always trying to better themselves or their community. Those feel good stories always inspire me to try to be a better person personally and professionally.
First Year Apprentice
Chloe is a First Year Apprentice who is doing great things at our Quesnel Junior School project site in Quesnel, BC.
What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
It’s great to see more women coming into the industry and showing that women are equal to men in construction.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is finishing a hard task, Successfully!
How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?
I think women deserve to be in construction just as much as men do and by me being here and other women doing it too is just proving that.
Who inspires you?
My Papa inspires me!
Human Resources Specialist
Shawna is JEN COL’s Human Resources Specialist who supports all functions of the HR department, including recruitment and onboarding, training and development, employee relations and performance management.
What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
As a previously under-represented demographic, it’s nice to see the growth of a strong female presence in the industry. It’s also wonderful to work for a company that promotes this growth.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the people. In the roles that I have had, it always comes back to having that touch-point with people in a very personal way.
How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?
There are some good foundations being set through different groups to attract female talent. It’s just a matter of finding means to communicating them out. For example, making the groups visible within high schools.
Who inspires you?
My HR mentor inspires me. We met while working together at a previous job. She has worked her way up the HR ladder and is now a successfully self-employed consultant. She shows me that you never stop growing and achieving in an area that you are passionate about.
First Year Apprentice
Phoenix is a First Year Apprentice making her mark at our Quesnel Junior School project site in Quesnel, BC.
What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?
It feels great making something permanent; just like this school we’re building in Quesnel – knowing that it’s going to be part of the community forever.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is learning new things and seeing the progress of my work!
Who inspires you?
My auntie inspires me. She’s a boiler maker!
