Ms. Roberta Giroux, Trade Winds to Success
Roberta Giroux is the Apprenticeship Retention Coordinator at Trade Winds to Success. Trade Winds to Success is an organization that strives to increase the number of Indigenous people working in the building trades. Roberta has a certificate in finance from NAIT and is a Journeywoman Electrician. Roberta uses her experience to work with youth and indigenous people to promote education and the skilled trades industry.
One Step at a Time
Roberta’s career has taken her to many places, picking up a few interesting skills along the way. This includes being an actress, youth worker, casino card dealer and finally a journeywoman electrician!
After graduation, she started her career in the finance field working for banks, payroll departments and in the construction sector. Moving to Hamilton with her family, she took a casino dealer course which she used when they later returned to Edmonton. She then shifted gears and worked for ATCO, working on different projects including advising residents of energy efficient improvements.
Then at 28, she decided to try out a program that showcased the different trades. She gravitated towards the electrical trade but knew she had a lot to learn to become a well-rounded individual. There were the academic barriers (i.e math), cultural barriers (being not only a woman but an indigenous woman) and the practical barriers (work experience). She saw this as the challenge she craved and spent 15 years being a journeywoman electrician working on commercial, residential, Solar and industrial projects.
Leading the Change
At Trade Winds, Roberta is part of several initiatives and activities that are carried out to have the clients, job ready after completing the programs. She works with the organization to encourage and maintain employer and trades union engagement and relationships. This includes setting up employer presentations as well as onsite interviews and networking opportunities. Employers are very supportive and are eager to get involved in these events.
Roberta uses her electrician experience to teach electrical theory, assist with the hands-on component of building a tiny home and facilitates career skills development workshops. She says, “These are things you need to know before entering the construction industry. The programs are working when the clients are working”. She loves to interact with the employer organizations, clients and being able to use her own experience to help people.
An Alternate
Indigenous people face barriers to employment, these may include childcare, education, transportation to name a few. Trade Winds to Success builds the foundation for Indigenous people in Alberta to secure employment and achieve journeyman status, leading to economic well-being. Through our network of partners and stakeholders, Trade Winds to Success provides pre-apprenticeship training and support to Indigenous people in Alberta, leading to success in the trades. The organization maintains a relationship with their clients even after completing the program, following up to ensure that the client is successful in achieving their journeyperson status.
Involvement with WIRE
Roberta’s involvement with solar energy projects led her to be introduced to WIRE. Roberta is a firm supporter of WIRE and is currently working with them to create criteria for a scholarship meant for indigenous people.
Giving Back
Roberta attributes her success to her family who have worked hard and pushed her to do her best. She is attracted to youth and gives back through peer mentoring and promotion of higher education. She is also a key note speaker, speaking to indigenous people, sharing her experiences with them.
Closing Remarks
Roberta aims to have a 100% program rate for journeyman certification for her clients and to gain supporters for the program. Roberta has put on many hats in her career. She is happy and considers herself lucky where she is right now. As she puts it, “I play a small part, in an organization that is making a big difference!”