My name is Jasmin Smith. I am from Piikani First Nation in Southern Alberta.

I found about Trade Winds through my mom, who heard of it through the indigenous community. Garth Smith, my uncle also completed Trade Winds, who is now a Red Seal Electrician. I saw how it changed his life, so I decided to give it a try.

I began my journey at the Trade Winds to Success on May 7, 2018. I graduated on August 10, 2018 and I immediately started as a first-year apprentice reinforcing ironworker. 2 years later, I am now a 2nd year reinforcing ironworker, working for AGF.

In my previous job I was a part-time cook, in a local pub. Not much opportunity and I needed change and stability…an actual career. I did not know what to expect from this experience and my family never really talked about the trades. It was intimidating at first, but it was a good kind of intimidation and tested my desire to change for the better. It was definitely worth it and I am always recommending the Trade Winds program to family and friends.

My biggest challenge was overcoming shyness. I had always seen myself as physically weak but being an ironworker has changed that for me. I have become self-confident and assertive and I cannot stress enough how that changed me for the better. As a result, I am better able to voice and project myself, which I am really happy about.

I am now a good example to my cousins, of how life can change for the better and how life can be. I do not have to sit here……do nothing and be nothing. Life does not have to be stagnant and boring. This is how my life was before I became a Reinforcing Ironworker. Being in this program was a stepping-stone towards something better and I am well on my way to obtaining that Red Seal Journeyman ticket.

I recently did a local Fitness Challenge here in Calgary and area. I placed 3rd and I received $800.00. Being an Ironworker was the driving point of that challenge and how I became more physical and stronger in the process.

I would do it all over again, no questions asked...the only thing is, I would done it sooner!