Women in construction industry say they enjoy challenges of job
Laurie Cahalane-Petchar never imagined that her childhood interest would eventually lead to a career in a construction zone.
Cahalane-Petchar used to work at WMUR, but she wanted a change of pace, so after a lot of contemplation, she decided to join the construction industry.
"From the time I started thinking that maybe a switch would be good to deciding, 'OK, this is the avenue I want to go down,' it was I was probably about three years, so there was a lot of soul searching during that time," she said.
Cahalane-Petchar started taking carpentry classes at Manchester Community College. At first, it was just a hobby.
"But I really took to it, and then I started thinking I would love to do this full time," she said.
Cahalane-Petchar is now a journey-level carpenter for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. She said that when she started out, she was a little hesitant about being one of the only women on the crew, but in the past decade, she said there haven't been any issues being a woman in the trade.
"There's a lot of fun at work," she said. "There's a lot of banter back and forth. There's a lot of encouragement."
Shawna Murphy feels the same way.
"I work with men all day, which is sometime easier than working with women, you know?" Murphy said.
The mother of three and grandmother decided to make a huge life change after working for many years in schools. She went to work alongside her brother at Cedar Brook Builders in Lincoln.
"My brother started his construction company, and he said he needed some help and I, no questions, I didn't hesitate, I was like 'I'm your girl,'" Murphy said.
She has been working in construction since last July. While she has no regrets, she admitted that the career change was a bit challenging at first.
"It's like learning a new language," she said. "I had to learn the tools and what they did, what they all do, their purpose."
While New England's cold weather might be a deterrent for some women considering a job in construction, Murphy said there are ways around it.
"That's what toe warmers are for and down jackets," she said.
Murphy and Cahalane-Petchar are now encouraging other women to take the leap. And get into the trades.
"I love it," Murphy said. "I learn something new every day. I get better at what I'm doing every day. My confidence is building."
"I do feel like this is a very good option for anybody, for women, for anybody," Cahalane-Petchar said. "It's a very good option, and it's worth exploring if you're curious."