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"Everything seems scary at first, but you can handle it. It's mostly
practice."
Building construction technicians build houses and businesses, remodel
existing structures, make cabinetry, perform inspections, and interpret
building codes. This field provides opportunities for
self-employment as well as employment with local companies.
Patty Allen completely reshaped her life. After working more than 20 years
as a nurse and running her own home health agency through a health
maintenance organization, Patty decided that she wanted something else.
She wanted to work and create with her hands. She wanted to feel the
kind of tired she felt after working a full day on her uncle's farm when
she was growing up: the tired of being outside, milking cows and bailing
hay from sun-up to sun-down. In all honesty, she had burned out from the
constant giving that is the core of nursing.
"I had a friend who wanted to get into the building construction program, and I took him over to see the community college campus. I picked up a brochure and stuck it in my pocket." A couple of months later, she sent for more information.
Patty began with a six month program introducing women to basic construction trade skills. She continued with Building Construction Technology classes, and then entered the Association of General Contractors' apprenticeship program which she completed in two years, acquiring her general contractor's license. Now she is a journey-level carpenter working at Widmer Brewing Company.
The Widmer Brewing Company is in the process of restoring their historic buildings in Portland. Patty is involved in every aspect of the meticulous restoration, from placing new beams to building bookcases and desks. She had some concerns in the beginning. "I was worried about being able to lift the stuff the boys do. I found that most of the time when I couldn't lift it, they couldn't lift it either! We use forklifts. It's safer, and it doesn't waste time."
Patty advises other women to use pre-apprenticeship programs for women if they are available. "It builds confidence. Women need to feel that it's okay to pick up a tool. Everything seems scary at first, but you can handle it. It's mostly practice.
"You can get locked into a job, dependent on the salary and all that. But I knew I had to do something different. I just didn't know what." Patty walked away from a profession that provided her a good living and respect in her community. With imagination and courage, she learned new skills and created for herself a new profession that brings her a good living, respect and happiness.
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