I Took a Plumbing Program in College, Now I’ve inspired Other Women to Join The Trades

Studied: Plumbing and heating at New Brunswick Community College (2018–19)
Current job: Apprentice plumber at UA Local 325
Location: Moncton
Age: 25

I grew up in Quebec, where we graduate high school in grade 11 and then have the option to attend CEGEP. I chose a two-year social sciences program where I studied psychology, philosophy and sociology. I figured I would go to university after that. But by the end, I realized I wasn’t fulfilled studying from textbooks and writing 10-page research papers. I couldn’t see what I was accomplishing, and I couldn’t see myself continuing down that path at that time. 

I spoke to the dean at my CEGEP and she encouraged me to look into a trades program. I was interested in New Brunswick Community College. On the website for the school’s plumbing program, they pictured a former female student alongside the program overview. Something clicked. The more I read about the plumbing industry, the more I liked it. There was great job security—AI could never take over—and plumbing can serve as a springboard for other fields like steamfitting, pipefitting, gas and heating. 

There are a few different ways to become a plumber, and the pathways are different in every province. I chose the “pre-employment” route, which meant I’d start by doing 10 months of school followed by a one-month work term. After that, I’d write my exams for what’s called “block one.” To take the Red Seal exam, to show I’ve met the national standard in the trade, and become a fully licensed tradesperson there are four blocks of study and exams, with 1,800 hours of work experience required in between.

Our pre-employment classes were half-theory, half-practical. We’d spend our mornings learning about different systems and their applications in the classroom, then we’d spend afternoons in the shop to apply what we had just learned. There was something really empowering about learning something and then immediately practising it yourself. Soldering was one of my favourite skills to master. We needed to follow really precise measurements. Seeing all the parts match up the way they were supposed to was a really great feeling. 

I was the only woman in my class of about 16 people, and the only First Nations person: I’m Mi’kmaq, from Gespeg. But my classmates and instructors were incredibly supportive and took my opinions seriously. I think it helped that I got really good marks in class, so they knew I took it seriously. 

My first job was with a plumbing company based in Moncton that mostly did commercial work. I was part of a team responsible for maintaining the plumbing aspects of an agricultural business. We maintained all the existing drainage and also helped install irrigation lines into new areas. 

Next, I worked for a non-profit called MAP Strategic Workforces Services in a program that is a not-for-profit that supports women in skilled trades. We visited middle and high schools to do hands-on activities with students and get them to consider careers in the trades from a younger age. We wanted to change the idea that skilled trades weren’t a career choice for women. After about a year, I went back into a union job with another plumbing company. Soon I had enough hours to start my block two courses, which I began in March 2024 back at NBCC. 

Last June, I spoke to the graduating classes of NBCC as the alumni guest of honour. A lot of people came up to me after the speech and told me how they were inspired by my journey. It was really validating to hear that, especially from women who weren’t in the trades. This path was definitely the right choice for me.

This story appeared in the 2025 edition of the Ultimate Guide to Canadian Colleges. Order your copy here.