Alicia K.

How did you get your start in the skilled trades?

I was awarded a co-op scholarship from a local utility company. They invested in my college and career training with on-the-job training and mentorship while attending local and state university systems. I worked part time at the company while attending school full time. I was not able to complete my degree as planned so I applied what skill sets I learned on the job and went to work.

What did you do to become successful?

I learned the trade from the ground up. I worked alongside the people at the utility and learned every aspect of the job functions by doing the actual work, not just observing the work. I studied and trained with engineers, contractors and vendors. I learned how to operate equipment, attempted to master every task by asking questions, paying attention and applying what I learned to better my position. I earned it by way of hard work. I wore out a path to my boss/mentor’s office asking questions, going back to the drawing board to apply what he shared. I listened to constructive criticism and wasn’t afraid to challenge situations that I didn’t fully grasp.

When one door closed I looked for another opportunity to learn a new trade. Nothing was outside my wheelhouse. At the end of the day each step I took led me to the next and ultimately because of the knowledge I obtained along the journey, and the various jobs I worked, I advanced to become the general manager of the utility company that offered me that opportunity from the start.

What obstacles have you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

There are many obstacles being a woman in a man’s world; you must prove your worth and your value by showing them what you know and demonstrating it with actions, not words.

Be patient along the way. I learned to operate a backhoe, an excavator, asphalt testing equipment, survey instruments, you name it. They respected me because I didn’t just talk the talk. I could actually carry my own work load. I learned to be silent when necessary, to speak when the time was right and demonstrate that I was knowledgeable about the subject matter. Knowing when to speak was the best advice I can offer as to earning respect.

What advice do you have for women wanting to get into the trades?

Don’t be afraid of it. Learn the trade by investing in the actual work. Don’t take a handout to get to the top. You must dedicate extra-long hours and learn every aspect of the job if you seek to be the best. Respect is earned not given.

Know your limitations and don’t be afraid to ask for help or assume you know everything. People respect a person willing to learn by asking questions and being diligent in their efforts applying those lessons learned. Capitalize on any mistakes made and use them to improve yourself in the next task. Lastly, don’t quit when the going gets tough. Dust it off and get back up and try again. You will thank yourself for it later.

Read more stories at Voices in the Trades.