Overview
Teresa (Terry) is a Unifor National Skilled Trades Coordinator and Certified Electrician. Terry promotes opportunities for people to engage in skills training and pre-apprenticeship programs utilizing her experience in both the Industrial and Construction sector. Terry has become an advisor to Government, Industry and Academia. Terry continues to blaze the trail for apprenticeship opportunities and women in particular.
Mentor Profile
Who:
Terry Weymouth
What:
National Skilled Trades Coordinator and certified electrician
Where:
Unifor
Why:
We have a long way to go till we are equally represented at everything. But we are making change, and I trust the next generations to rectify this.
Education:
Electrical Engineering
Average Salary:
$70,000 – $120,000
Technical Skills:
Experience Working with Electrical Wires, Mathematics
Soft Skills:
Strong Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail and Accuracy, Communication Skills, Reading and Comprehension Skills
Let’s Know More:
1. What does a typical day/week in your job look like?
I have an incredibly diverse job. From writing reports to instructing, mentoring, sitting in Board of Governors positions to advocating for apprenticeship across Canada.
2. What qualities do you need to succeed in this field?
Stubbornness, tenacity, and sense of justice. Refusal to believe in the perception that I was incapable of doing something, because I was a woman. I have never come across a job that I could not do.
3. Can you tell me how your job helps or works with the community?
In my hometown, I sit on an Industry Council that develops skills to prepare women for apprenticeship opportunities. As an electrician, I have volunteered my skills to Habitat for Humanity, refreshing our local homeless shelter, refurbishing water wells for the first nations in Little Salmons Carmacks in the Yukon and spent a couple months in New Orleans rewiring properties after Hurricane Katrina.
4. How do you get to be creative on your job?
I am surrounded by incredible women who want to make a difference
5. What are you most proud of?
I went from memorizing my tools on the floor of my garage, to appearing as a witness before the House of Commons Status of Women Standing Committee on Women in Trade’s and Increasing the participation of Women in Nontraditional occupations.
6. Tell us something funny that has happened to you on your job?
My name is Teresa, but I have gone by Terry with a Y since I was in grade 2. Most people think a male is coming to either fix a problem, instruct, or speak. I can tell you this has definitely opened up many opportunities.
4. What is your motto?
Keep all your options open, make sure to build your foundation getting your Math’s, Sciences and Communication.
Find More Information
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program