“You can’t do that.”
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
“Maybe you shouldn’t do that.”
This is what women hear when they talk about joining the construction industry. I heard those comments, too. But the words didn’t stop me—they fueled me.
I’m proud to say I’m a foreperson and a heavy equipment operator. I have been in construction for more than 15 years, leading crews, keeping projects safe and on track, and operating all types of equipment. This is my everyday life. I’ve helped build roads, bridges, and other infrastructure people rely on every day. Through it all, one thing has become clear: the naysayers were wrong. They’re still wrong.
Tradeswomen are competent, strong, capable, and there is absolutely nothing we can’t accomplish when we set our minds to it.
Working in the trades has connected me with solid people and taken me to beautiful places that I never knew existed. It has also allowed me to enjoy unforgettable vacations, create meaningful memories, and given me the financial freedom to save and build a strong future on my own terms!
To all the young women thinking about their future: the trades offer real opportunities. If you want a career with good pay, steady work, and the chance to build something meaningful, this is a path worth considering. Show up ready to learn, work hard, and stay safe; your reliability and determination will speak for you. Respect will follow naturally. Don’t let stereotypes or doubt hold you back. There’s space for you here.
With employers like BCIB, there’s solid support—fair hiring practices, encouragement to grow, and a culture of respect and teamwork on every job site. Projects like Selkirk are proof that a positive environment makes a real difference. When you’re part of a team that values you, you can thrive.
So, whenever you hear “you can’t do that,” remember, not only can you do it, you absolutely should.
Pamela is a foreperson and an equipment operator on the Selkirk project part of the Highway 1 – Kamloops to Alberta Four Laning upgrade. She’s a firm believer and an example of woman’s ability to thrive in the trades, and she says more women should consider the construction industry as a career.
