Ashleigh Emmell, 20 years old, made a bold career shift from retail to the trades, driven by a dream of operating heavy machinery. With no prior experience in construction, she took a leap of faith. Encouraged by her cousin, a member of Local 793, she then reached out to a business representative to begin her journey.
Last September, Ashleigh started her apprenticeship at the Morrisburg campus as a Heavy Equipment Operator apprentice. Despite being new to the industry, she embraced the challenge, believing that “all you have to do is put your mind to it.”
Her experience at OETIO has far exceeded her expectations. “It’s been one of the best experiences! The instructors go above and beyond. Everyone is very welcoming, including the students. The teachers are always pushing us to do our best and they always make it known that it’s okay to ask questions.”
As a woman entering the construction field, Ashleigh offers empowering advice to others: “Stop overthinking it. Chase your dreams, girl, and don’t look back! It’s been the best decision I’ve made yet.”