Welcome to The Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in skilled trades with your host, Lia Lamela.

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In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Brandi Ferenc, owner and CEO of Fair Trades Toolbox. Brandi is a Red Seal 313a Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1 Journeyperson, an instructor, and a mentor for women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Brandi has become a powerful advocate for women in skilled trades, winning numerous awards, including the WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 award in 2022 and 2023, and Roger's Women of the Year Award in the skilled trades category. She was also the first female ever to compete at the Ontario Skills Trade Competition in the post-secondary gas fitter category. Today, Brandi shares her journey, insights on mentorship, and how Fair Trades Toolbox is making a difference in the skilled trades industry.


🔑Key Takeaways from this Episode:

👉🏼 The Importance of Support: Brandi emphasizes that support is crucial for apprentices to succeed in skilled trades. She highlights how having a mentor or supportive network can make the difference between sticking it out or dropping out of the apprenticeship program.

👉🏼 Overcoming Challenges: Brandi shares her personal experiences of resilience and how it has been her most valuable tool in overcoming challenges throughout her career. She encourages others to stay focused on the positives and keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles.

👉🏼 The Role of Mentorship: Brandi discusses the importance of mentorship in the skilled trades, particularly for women and underrepresented groups. She explains how mentorship not only helps in skill development but also in building confidence and ensuring retention in the industry.

👉🏼Creating a Positive Work Environment: Brandi advocates for a more structured onboarding process and positive reinforcement in the workplace. She believes that these practices lead to higher employee satisfaction, better retention, and ultimately, more successful careers in the skilled trades.

🗨 Quotes:

⚡ "Resilience is like an elastic band; no matter how far I’m stretched, I always bounce back." – Brandi Ferenc
⚡ "Our industry is craving change right now, and we're the right people in the right place at the right time." – Brandi Ferenc
⚡ "Support is key. Without it, many apprentices might not make it through the program." – Brandi Ferenc
⚡ "In the skilled trades, we need to build our workforce like Navy SEALs – elite, capable, and resilient." – Lia Lamela


✅Follow Lia Lamela:

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💥YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia

✅Follow Brandi Ferenc:

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Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through the trades. We appreciate your support and look forward to having you with us in our next episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and valuable insights!

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