A Phenomenal Tradeswoman
Inspired by the one and only Maya Angelou.
I had a pleasure of authoring this poem during my summer course at NEW, Nontraditional Employment for Women program. NEW is an organization located in NYC where all women are welcomed to learn a trade skill, partake in internships, practice safety protocols and later placed within a company to work as a tradeswoman. The trades that are available to take are carpentry, electrical, plumbing, sheet meatal work and others. This is a great program to enroll into if you are looking to expand your knowledge or want an easier way to network with others as well as companies. They have three programs available for women starting at 18 years old.
I was inspired by Maya Angelou’s famous poem A Phenomenal Woman when I realized how amazing I was to have secured a spot at Local 28, Sheet Metal workers union in NYC. Although my love for electrical will never failed, I was always curious to learn other trades skills. When given the opportunity to take the sheet metal exam, I made sure I was prepared for it. It was such a wonderful experience to have taken the exam and got a mini tour of their training facility. Sheet metal workers had countless opportunities to gain experience within their industry, they can become welders, solders, and experts. A bit sad to say, I had declined the offer to be their apprentice since there were two other opportunities at my reach which was closer to be true passion. I had a job offer for NYC Transit Authority as an electrical helper position and an appointment date to take the Local 3 exam, which is the top electrical union in NYC. Local 3, also known as IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - was my dream job and till this day I cannot believe I turned it down.
I was torn between NYCT and Local 3 because it was highly known that NYCT would have the best benefit and payoff packages. Another thing to think about at that time was the potential layoff seasons, how long or how often would it occur for. Majority of unions may go through layoff periods yearly or bi-monthly, where workers would be out of work and most times without pay. As a young woman, I had to think ahead into my future, I also spoke to my instructors at my trade school, the dean and few of my peers. Fast forward to now, I may regret taking the Local 3 exam however my 2.5 years at NYCT was one to remember.
I am a phenomenal tradeswoman
From my head to my toes
All dress in the right PPE
Griping my tools tight
And letting out a sigh
Many might question my position
But I know where I lie
I am a woman,
A phenomenal tradeswoman
Step into my light and I will show you why
Fixing all your circuitry with the blink of an eye
Bending those pipes one by one
I can bring electricity into your home
But wait, something does not feel right
I am a woman,
A phenomenal tradeswoman
My mind has no limit
My heart craves more
Let me fill those holes in the wall
Or count the tiles for the floor
I will strive for greatness,
With the skills that I hold
No man can come before me and scold
I know my worth
I am a woman
A Phenomenal tradeswoman who craves more
To step outside my comfort zone
And do some HVAC work
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs to be installed
With the right precision I can do it all
My fellow ladies might cheer,
All due to respect
I wish you were all here
Work side by side with gutters and metal roofs
We can experience the life of a Sheet Metal crew
With the proper training
Hands and power tools can be in my control
I am a woman
A phenomenal tradeswoman
Encouraged by her peers
Embracing my fears
Leaping into faith with this new trade
An image that cannot be erased
A well thought Sheet Metal career is here to stay