PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Angelique McDonald recalls following her father around at work through her middle and high school years. Her father worked maintenance for several apartment buildings and oversaw multiple repair and remodeling projects.
McDonald’s life exposed her to a variety of trades. She helped fix plumbing leaks, paint, replace doors and windows and repair roofs. While she always held an interest in non-traditional jobs for women, she did not participate in any trade classes at Presque Isle Technology Center during high school.
After graduating high school, she worked for four years at Walmart, first as a cashier and eventually across several departments. From there, she started a career at McCain Foods in Easton, where she operated machines packaging products in preparation for shipping. Although this was a good job, she said she found it a struggle to work within the same four walls day after day. Additionally, it became a challenge to balance shift work and family life.
Finding herself a single mother of two, she felt there had to be a better way for her and her two daughters. She wanted a good job with benefits, one she could enjoy that would also provide a good home for her family.
She recalled her experience with Totally Trades, a conference held each year at Northern Maine Community College, organized by New Ventures Maine along with a group of volunteers from outside organizations. The conference provides girls in middle and high school the opportunity to experience trades that challenge gender norms. Students gain insights by visiting trade labs and working on projects from the trades that interest them.
After some difficult years, she decided to pursue plumbing and heating at NMCC. This career would take her back to her roots, when she worked with her father.
Though she had to work extra hard to balance a rigorous academic life and caring for two young girls, she recently finished her first year in the program, and college officials said her grades are a good indication of her success.
According to O*Net online, the median pay for a plumber in the United States is $53,910 annually. The projected growth between 2016 and 2026 is 15 percent. O*Net reports a slightly smaller annual salary in Maine; however, the projected growth rate remains at 15 percent.
McDonald may have challenges awaiting her in the coming semesters, but she said she is confident in herself and encourages any person, male or female, to pursue their dream career regardless of their gender.
“Don’t be afraid,” she said.
Submitted by the Development and College Relations Office of Northern Maine Community College.
