Rebecca’s adding tools to her toolbox

By Joan Janzen

Not every girl would be thrilled at receiving tools as a gift, however, Rebecca McLean beamed a dazzling smile after unwrapping her toolbox and screwdriver set. Twenty-two-year-old Rebecca grew up in Kindersley and graduated from Kindersley Composite High School.

Like many high school graduates, she headed off to college immediately after graduation. “I took nursing because I had always been interested in the medical field and thought it would be a good fit for me,” she said.

However, after a while, Rebecca concluded that nursing wasn’t her cup of tea. “I realized it wasn’t for me, and I had no passion for nursing. The thought of being a nurse didn’t excite me,” she explained. Rebecca spent the next two years working as a housekeeper while exploring other options for her future.

“I became interested in the trades after having a conversation with my dad,” she said. Rebecca’s dad, Lee McLean, worked as an automotive mechanic for many years and was excited about the idea of his daughter pursuing a trade.

“I always enjoyed hands-on work, so it seemed interesting to me. I learned about the different trades, and after some discussion, it seemed like plumbing would be the best fit for me,” Rebecca concluded.

Rebecca’s mom, Calla McLean, said she was surprised Rebecca wanted to go into plumbing but was happy she had done all the research before pursuing it as a career. Rebecca applied at Sask Polytech in Regina for the Plumbing & Pipefitting applied certificate program. “I was placed on a waiting list and was accepted for the fall semester a couple of months later,” she said. Rebecca was the only female in her class of thirteen students.

The 17-week program instructs students on installing, replacing, and maintaining water and sewage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It provides practical and hands-on skills needed for entry-level employment.

“I went into it with a very open mind ... ready for anything,” Rebecca said. “I really enjoyed everything I learned. I found shop somewhat difficult at first because I had never handled any of the tools before and was unfamiliar with the work. My instructor and classmates were always willing to help me though. I really enjoyed the pipe projects. It was fun to figure out all the measurements and put it together. We did the smaller projects on our own and bigger projects in groups.”

She noted the course did a good job of familiarizing her with the work she would be doing as a first-year apprentice. “During my first week as an apprentice, I was placed on a residential site where they were building condos.” There, Rebecca assisted a journeyman, gathered supplies and performed small jobs. After testing her skills in the real world during her two-week work placement, Rebecca was hired by that same company.

Plumbing is a skilled trade where the more education and experience you get, the higher you can climb on the wage-earning ladder. And it looks like this first-year apprentice is enthusiastic about obtaining more skills. “My plans right now are to continue working and learn as much as I can about plumbing,” Rebecca said.

As she takes a look back, she said, “I did not think I would ever take a trade when I graduated from high school.” But now that she is, she said she would encourage girls who are interested in a trade to go for it.

“Don’t be intimidated by it. And if they ever struggle with something - just ask for help. Most people I’ve met are very kind and always willing to help if I need it.”

Good luck to you, Rebecca, as you continue using all the tools in your toolbox.