March 12, 2024 (Langford, BC) – British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Tamara Pongracz is continuing to help lead BC’s efforts to attract, retain and support women in the trades through her position at BCIT and her new role with the Construction Foundation of BC’s (CFBC) Board of Directors.
Under encouragement from her father, an Indigenous plumber pipe fitter and union activist, Pongracz entered the trades in 1988 as a welder’s helper in the Kootenays. A combination of genuine interest in the trades and the prospect of financial independence played major factors in her initial career decision.
“Having an Indigenous father who was a brilliant tradesperson, he was my role model,” said Pongracz. “He was leap years ahead of his time to encourage me to go into the skilled trades…I found the work interesting, but the money is what grabbed me. Trades work offered me my independence.”
Years later and Pongracz is now an Interprovincial Certified Plumber and holder of a Master of Education Degree from Simon Fraser University. Her resume also includes her position as Chief Instructor for BCIT’s Trades Access department (which has eclipsed an impressive 25 years). Under Pongracz’s direction, BCIT introduced a holistic approach to their women in trades curriculum. The success of the revamped approach resulted in BCIT’s adaptation of a revised curriculum in 2001 that included all learners interested in pursuing the trades.
“The curriculum that was built into the previous trades exploration program fell just short of what we needed to do to prepare these folks for the rigors of the trades workplace,” explained Pongracz. “We adjusted the approach of the program to help to set the women up for success and resiliency as they changed their financial situation for themselves, their children, and their communities.”
Most recently, a commitment to CFBC’s Board of Directors will allow Pongracz to channel her passions and past expertise towards the guidance of CFBC’s programming and initiatives alongside a number of BC’s industry leaders.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to join the folks at the Construction Foundation of BC,” said Pongracz. “I have watched the enthusiasm of Abigail [Fulton, CFBC executive director] …I’ve seen the amazing work that they have been doing.”
The Foundation’s programs include Indigenous and female-specific programs, skilled trades workshops, job fairs, and one-to-one services, among others.
“More people need to know about CFBC’s services so that they can access those supports and more people need to know about it so they can contribute by either their expertise, or with their dollars.”
Pongracz’s advice to women looking to enter the trades?
“Be a part of the change, but don’t change who you are because people won’t respect you for that. Be confident in yourself and be yourself.”
To learn more about BCIT’s trades training programs, please visit BCIT.ca. For more information on the work being done by the Construction Foundation of BC and to donate, please visit www.constructionfoundation.ca.
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