Women in Construction: Projects

As part of #WICWeek, we are featuring some of the strong, inspiring women who work at Kinetic.

In this feature, we are shining the light on Jessica Sidhu, Project Manager from our Victoria branch and Jenn Mudge, Project Manager from our Courtenay branch.

How did you get started working in construction?

Jessica: I started my carpentry apprenticeship/training at 17 and worked on-site as a labourer, then apprentice. My goal was to get into Project Management so I enrolled in the ABT program at BCIT. In the final year of my program, I completed my practicum with Kinetic and was offered a permanent position as a Project Coordinator when I graduated.

Jenn: I started working for my dad as a drywaller/tapper to make extra money on days off, holidays, and summer breaks.

What’s the best part of your job?

Jessica: Working in the ICI sector, we're exposed to different types of structures and methods. Because of that, every project has unique challenges which require constant problem-solving. It might be tedious or stressful at times, but it's satisfying to work through issues and find a solution.

Jenn: The best part of my job is seeing the client’s face when I hand over a completed building and it’s exactly how they envisioned it – or more!

What makes you proud of working in the construction industry?

Jessica: There's a big push in the industry for technological and cultural advancement. People are motivated to improve on outdated practices and find innovative solutions. The culture of the industry is evolving and with that comes acceptance of previously overlooked groups. There's more work to be done but the effort is what I'm proud of.

Jenn: Being able to provide a positive effect on the community and being part of something that is bigger than yourself. I have had the opportunity to build Fire Halls, upgrade hospital facilities and provide housing to locals.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

Jessica: Completing and handing over my first project as a Project Manager. Achieving that position had been a goal of mine for years and it was a big deal when I could say I had done it successfully from start to finish on a project.

Jenn: The handover at the North Oyster Fire Hall where I was given an appreciation plaque with the Fire Halls crest on it. The amount of gratitude that came from the owner’s group and the community was overwhelming.

What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?

Jessica: There are plenty of opportunities in the industry. A colleague once said that women wait until they are 100% ready for the next step before taking a leap, whereas their male counterparts would jump at the opportunity between the 60-80% mark. The lesson was to pursue your ambitions and not let self-doubt get in the way. Be confident in your abilities. Construction is the perfect industry to learn on the job.

Jenn: Do not allow adversity to get in your way. Whether it be a situation or person. I was told when I was 13 that no girl belonged on a construction site. I took that comment with me through my travels in the industry and used it as my drive to the position I am in now. Pretty close to the top ;)

What are the advantages of being a woman in construction?

Jessica: Most men don’t want to be outdone by a woman, especially on a job site. This brings on competition and elevates people to work harder (usually).

How do you think construction can attract more female candidates?

Jessica: By providing exposure to construction career paths and visible representation for students at a younger age. As well as educating parents on what “professional” roles are available in the industry. Primarily working in an office environment (even when working from a site office), dealing with contracts, managing documentation, ensuring compliance with technical information, those aren’t gritty tasks or attributes. Even if they were, there’s room for girls and women in gritty roles, if the stigma around careers that don’t require degrees is removed.

What do you think is the most important change happening in the construction industry??

Jessica: Women consistently being promoted to leadership positions, which provides more role models in the industry.

Do you wish there were more women in construction?

Jessica: Yes, definitely! The novelty of being the “only woman” or the “first woman” is something that wears off. We need more representation in the industry. Another practical reason is to fill vacant positions. There are labour shortages across the industry.

What’s a perk about working in the construction industry that people might not know about?

Jessica: Young people can start their careers earlier than if they pursued a bachelor's degree. I was able to start my career a couple of years ahead of my friends from high school because my program was only two years long.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Jessica: There's no doubt that improvements have recently been made in the industry to attract and retain more women, but there's still work to be done to introduce careers in construction as a viable option for the next generation. This requires challenging biases and having more representation in the industry to really affect change. WIC Week plays a small part in amplifying voices that would otherwise be overlooked or challenged.