Trades Women Build Nations

Employee Highlight: Ashley House

 When asked about her personal experience in the construction industry, Ashley says, "It’s certainly not easy to be a woman or the minority in any field, especially construction, but the doors and opportunities are here! There is always a place for those who want to work, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Hard work will pay off!"

Ashley's career in the construction industry came from an unlikely start. She moved to Wisconsin with her two children and what she could fit in a U-Haul after a difficult divorce. "I had no family, except an older Nanna, and no friends. What I did have was two degrees, a lot of debt, and no idea what I was going to do," Ashley explains.

Ashley started working temp jobs that paid $13 to $15 dollars an hour, relying on state aid to make ends meet. Ashley was determined to make a better living for her and her family. That's when she met a woman sheet metal worker online who recommended she should go into the construction field. The woman referred Ashley to the local union and Ashley's career in construction began.

"In 2015, I started my apprenticeship making over $21 an hour! I was finally able to start saving up, buy a better car, a bike, and my first home... all on my own and in less than three years! I now make over $30 an hour, with benefits and a pension plan!" Ashley delightedly shares. "I am living proof that the construction field can change your life and provide for your family - even if you only have one income."

While Ashley is making a rewarding career in the construction industry, she warns that construction is not for everyone. "This line of work is challenging, dirty, hard work. Yes, sometimes it’s simple, but construction is constantly changing. It works for me, it keeps me on my toes, and I need that."

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering the construction industry as a career, Ashley says, "It takes a very dedicated, hard-working person to make it in the field. Be sure to take the time to research each union and trade, then pick a job that you have an interest or passion for, as well as something you feel could be a long-term career. Once you're in the field, find an experienced mentor that inspires you. Then be sure to soak up their knowledge and experience like a ‘sponge’. Don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask questions. And perhaps most importantly, never stop trying to learn your craft, you’d be surprised how much you will learn."

While construction may be a challenging field to pursue, Ashley encourages anyone seriously considering construction as a career to stick with it. "If you stick with it, you can make the best of it. Construction has allowed me to develop knowledge and experiences I never had before, with people I would have never thought I’d call, not only my coworkers, but my friends."

"If I could go back I might have not gone to school and save myself all that debt," Ashley explains. "But moving forward, with my experience and education, I look forward to thriving in the construction industry and growing in my career. I appreciate my experiences in the field and I can honestly say I love my job!"