Issue link: http://e-delivery.uberflip.com/i/379516
ERIN JOURNEYMAN WELDER, METALBOSS TECHNOLOGIES When Erin Meetoos first walked through the doors of WBF, she'd pretty much made up her mind as to what she wanted to do for the rest of her life, but sometimes things don't work out the way you plan them. "I was seeking to learn more about the trades when I went to an information session," she explained. "I was planning on pursuing a career in carpentry but I had no idea of the many options that were available, so I enrolled in the 17-week Journeywoman Start program. The hands-on part was really educational because I got to learn a little bit about everything." Today Meetoos, who also completed NAIT's Multi-Media program and recently applied for entrance into the school's Business Management Program, is a multi-talented journeyman welder with a good job and a future full of promise. "I've been working for MetalBoss Technologies in Edmonton for more than a year. Pursuing a career in the trades is probably the best thing I've ever done and I would highly recommend it to every woman seeking a new challenge." Inspired by her five year old daughter and encouraged by her mother, brother and three sisters, Erin is following in the footsteps of several cousins and uncles who are also journeymen tradespeople. "My dreams are being realized and my future is becoming more secure each day," she smiled. "When I first began to look for employment I was met with skepticism and rejection; some potential employers brushed me off while others just laughed and walked away." Perseverance paid off. "I didn't let it get me down, I just kept applying myself and in the end I was rewarded. I'll always be thankful to those who helped me achieve my goals, those like Totem Welding who accepted me near the end of my WBF training and enabled me to complete my two-week practicum, my family and my current employer, who provides ongoing incentive, encouragement and opportunity." 9 PROUD MOMENTS