The fire protection industry has seen a dramatic increase in the number of women who are seeking careers in this important and growing field. , one of Canada91裸聊视频檚 leaders in this dynamic, but traditionally male-dominated space, is no exception. Over the past 10 years, Classic FLS is also seeing a large increase in skilled women technicians come through its doors91裸聊视频攁nd is pleased about it.
Emily Taal, a five-year veteran at Classic Fire + Life Safety, recently earned her making her the first female in the company to hold this role. Taal received her certification in May 2022 after five years of apprenticeship training.
91裸聊视频淚 love that I get to see what I91裸聊视频檝e accomplished at the end of each day91裸聊视频攊t is so rewarding. I have my own work van, I run my own jobs now, it91裸聊视频檚 a wonderful feeling,91裸聊视频� said Emily. 91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檝e worked hard and Classic FLS has helped me develop a solid career path. I have worked my way up and learned what I needed to learn, and the company has been there for me every step of the way.
The company believes in hiring and training a diverse workforce, something the company is sensitive about, considering the industry was once almost entirely male-dominated.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 a really great job,91裸聊视频� says Olivia Schouten, a fire alarm technician trainee at Classic Fire + Life Safety91裸聊视频檚 Toronto office. 91裸聊视频淚 think it91裸聊视频檚 really rewarding. If there are girls out there who are thinking of doing it, I91裸聊视频檇 say 100 per cent, do it.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淟ike many of my new colleagues, I fell in love with the idea of contributing to safe working environments and, beyond that, to helping reduce the number of accidents, injuries and tragic deaths that might impact people in or through someone91裸聊视频檚 place of work,91裸聊视频� said Melissa Diaz, the company91裸聊视频檚 vice president of human resources.
Even though women in the industry occasionally encounter surprised individuals, there is nevertheless a palpable increase in appreciation for the new balance in the field.
91裸聊视频淵ears ago, it was uncommon to see a woman within fire service or any field within fire safety, but today people don91裸聊视频檛 seem to be as surprised,91裸聊视频� says Chelcie Wallis, a recent hire.
Caroline Hanchard has been a at Classic Fire + Life Safety since 2016. She is one of the 11 women working in the field for the company.
91裸聊视频淢any don91裸聊视频檛 expect to see a woman carrying a ladder or entering the building to complete an inspection,91裸聊视频� says Caroline Hanchard. 91裸聊视频淢ost of the time it91裸聊视频檚 just an honest reaction. If they show a willingness to talk, I91裸聊视频檒l explain to them a bit about what we do.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淚 was happy to see that we had three women on our team when I arrived,91裸聊视频� says Carly Didone, fire alarm technician trainee. 91裸聊视频淭he people we meet seem happy to see women working in the industry,91裸聊视频� adds Didone.
Finding mentorship is another challenge that women in male-dominated industries often struggle with. However, at Classic Fire + Life Safety, mentoring colleagues is second nature.
91裸聊视频淚 have gotten that stereotype from other contractors that because I91裸聊视频檓 a woman they don91裸聊视频檛 believe I can do it, that I91裸聊视频檓 not strong enough,91裸聊视频� notes Schouten. 91裸聊视频淏ut the guys that I work with here at Classic FLS have been great. They91裸聊视频檙e willing to teach me and let me learn. They don91裸聊视频檛 look at me as someone that can91裸聊视频檛 do the job.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淲e all really help each other out, so if we have any questions, we feel very comfortable calling each other up,91裸聊视频� says Hanchard, who has volunteered to help both Wallis and Didone prepare to get their fire alarm technician certification.
91裸聊视频淢y very first week, I had the privilege to work with Carly and Caroline who, at the time, were the only female technicians and assistants at our office,91裸聊视频� says Wallis. 91裸聊视频淭hey definitely gave me a lot of insight and confidence within this role. For me, it was intimidating going to some of the guys I work with because I obviously wanted to look like I was prepared.91裸聊视频�
While entering a male-dominated workforce can be intimidating, women who have an interest in fire safety should not let that hold them back from pursuing a career in it. The tide is changing.