Meet Angel Conroy, Journeyperson, Pipefitter
What initiated your interest in the trades?
My interest in becoming a pipefitter was piqued by my welding background. I saw an opportunity to challenge myself by learning how to weld in harder positions. The pipe-fitting end of the trade was challenging, especially having no experience. Every job is different, which makes it interesting.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge was learning how to weld pipe in position; this has made me a better and more confident welder. My best experience has been working on new jobs and having the opportunity to see the finished project and understand how advanced systems work.
How has your experience been working for Arden Engineering Constructors?
Working for Arden has been a great experience because it has kept me employed for four years and I’ve had the opportunity to work with very intelligent people who helped me excel in my career. My co-workers make me feel like I belong in this trade.
Meet Ivette Ulloa, Journeyperson, Pipefitter
What initiated your interest in the trades?
I started doing HVAC work when I was in the Air Force. I really enjoyed it and investigated unions on the civilian side.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
Working on a new high-rise building my first year in construction was fascinating yet challenging. There are many pieces to the puzzle.
How has your experience been working for MJ Daly?
This will be my fifth year with MJ Daly, and I’m happy and proud to be part of the team.
Meet Deborah Mullen, Journeyperson, Pipefitter
What initiated your interest in the trades?
Family, I am a second-generation pipefitter.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge is drilling 3/4 drop-in anchors on a 12 ft ladder over my head. My best experience is learning from a good foreman and finding new ways to get the job done!
How has your experience been working for Corporate Mechanical of New England?
It has been a successful learning experience and helped me build more confidence in myself.
Meet Amber-Rose Sousa, Project Manager
What initiated your interest in the trades?
My father had me on job sites with him since I was four years old. He taught me that being able to work with your hands and know a trade is very important. He told me an electrician is always in demand.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge would be proving myself to the contractors and owners. My best experience would be building and wiring a log cabin alongside my sister and father every weekend for two years during college.
How has your experience been working for Arden Engineering Constructors?
It has been amazing. I always thought being a project manager was the coolest job for a woman. You are the captain and team leader. It’s not about being a paper pusher. You are the one who makes it all possible, keeping a project on budget and on schedule from start to finish. I am a very hands-on project manager. When my team is in the trenches, I am in the trenches. With every successful project that I deliver, I gain more confidence in my abilities.
Meet Christy Soto, 4A Sprinkler Apprentice
What initiated your interest in the trades?
I went to a technical high school and had the opportunity to work on different job sites. It was amazing to be hands-on, working, and learning all in one. I feel like that’s what really persuaded me to continue, and I’m happy that I did.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge was proving myself. Starting off I knew it would be hard because I am a woman, but I knew I had the persevere. My best experience was when my foreman gave me instructions on what to do for a project and, with reassurance, provided me the ability to show him, myself, and others what I can do.
How has your experience been working for MJ Daly?
My experience working for MJ Daly has been awesome. I know I can count on them, just as much as they can count on me. They make me feel a part of their team.
Meet Jeannine Chartier, Electrician, Journeyperson
What initiated your interest in the trades?
I was working at a Curtain & Bath Outlet and there was an electrician working there from Local 103. I talked to him about his work as an electrician and the job piqued my interest. I went through the hiring procedures, was accepted and the rest is history, 33 years now.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge since I started in 1987 was getting respect from my peers on the job. And it has also been my greatest experience to receive the respect, I tried so hard to get.
How has your experience been working for Arden Engineering Constructors?
Arden has been great so far. Most everyone gets along, and the foremen are terrific.
Meet Rose Veilleux, Pipefitter, Apprentice
What initiated your interest in the trades?
I chose to go to Norwich Technical High School instead of my town’s public high school. In this type of school, you go through an exploratory experience and learn about all the trades offered. Out of the 12, I chose HVAC/R.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge has been learning a new trade as a first-year apprentice. I had switched from HVAC/R in high school to plumbing and heating as an apprentice. My best experience has been everyone’s willingness to teach me and help me succeed.
How has your experience been working for MJ Daly?
MJ Daly has given me the best apprentice opportunity possible. I have worked with a great group of people throughout my time here and have had a terrific experience.
Meet Kerry Sampson, Sheet Metal, Apprentice
What initiated your interest in the trades?
I was looking for steady employment with good pay, good benefits, and a good retirement option so that my daughter and I could live a comfortable life.
How has your experience been working for Unique Metal Works?
Unique has been nothing but good to me. They are a very professional company and very supportive of all their employees. I plan on staying with Unique for the remainder of my career.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
Most often I am the only woman working in my trade on job sites. Keeping up with the men physically was a challenge, however, they are pretty good at helping their sister out. My best experience is being treated as an equal, as well as seeing our finished work, driving by buildings knowing I helped to build them.
Meet Nicki Kent Scambio, Electrician Apprentice
What initiated your interest in the trades?
My interest in the trades comes from my desire to be a part of the Labor Movement. I wanted to work with my hands and be paid a fair wage for that work. I chose electrical because I like science and wanted to have a better understanding of electricity.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge has probably been to learn how to adapt my training to make it work for me. Most of the electricians I work with are a lot bigger than I am, so I often must think about different ways to apply leverage or think outside the box to accomplish a task that would be second nature to a burlier person. My best experiences have been with patient co-workers because I ask a lot of questions.
How has your experience been working for MJ Daly?
Working for Arden has been great for me because I’ve gotten the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. I’ve seen the sunrise while working on the roof of a new building in Quonset Point right by the ocean. Now I’m working on the toll gantries throughout the state of Rhode Island, so every day is something new.
Meet Mariah Chase, Plumber Apprentice
What initiated your interest in the trades?
As a child, I loved working with my hands and creating things. I never thought plumbing would be something I would do for a living, but when I was presented with a job opportunity, I tried it and loved it. Since then, I’ve never looked back.
What has been your biggest challenge and best experience?
My biggest challenge would have to be proving myself. Being female in construction, I feel like the odds are already stacked up against us and we’re viewed differently. So, my best experience is proving the naysayers wrong, along with the skills and knowledge I’ve learned.
How has your experience been working for MJ Daly?
Great! I get the opportunity to work across the state of Connecticut with well-experienced Journey-people who are eager to teach their craft if you are willing to learn. MJ Daly’s wide range of offerings provides diverse work, which I like.