The RBC Gateway + Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Minneapolis project has 600+ construction workers on site every day who work hard to build this new iconic building and stay on schedule. Today, we’re highlighting the women behind this project and the incredible work they do.
We had a chance to sit down with Shanna and Ashley, two of the experts who have been working to bring this project to life and change the Minneapolis skyline. We chatted about how they fell in love with their work, what advice they would give to other women interested in joining the field, and more.
SHANNA RUSTEN-O’HAGAN
Job title/trade:
Foreman/ Pipe fitter
Q: How long have you been in this position?
A: 25yrs. as a Pipe fitter/ 15 yrs. as a Foreman
Q: Why did you decide to go into this field/ or what training was necessary?
A: After going to a university for 2-1/2 years I realized I wanted to find a job where I could build things. I enrolled at Dunwoody to get a welding certificate and while there found out about pipe fitting. Pipe fitting is a 5 year apprenticeship. I went to school 2-3 nights a week and worked on the job full time during the day.
Q: What is it like to work in this typically male dominated field?
A: I feel that what has helped me in a male dominated field is having a really good mentor. Someone who has your back so you feel supported. I feel like because I have always shown up, worked hard and really cared about my job, I have a good career.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge or biggest surprise working in this field?
A: The biggest surprise for me has been how much I love being on a construction site. It is truly amazing how a building (especially one this size) can be built. There are so many different trades working together to make it happen.
Q: What recommendations/advice would you have for other women considering a career in the trades?
A: I would recommend that they shadow a person in each of the trade to see what would fit them the best.
Q: Any other comments or tips/thoughts?
A: I feel like being a pipe fitter has given me an opportunity to have a really good life.
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
Job title/trade:
Foreman – Architectural Sheet Metal – Berwald Roofing and Sheet Metal
Q: How long have you been in this position?
A: 10+ years in the trade
Q: Why did you decide to go into this field/ or what training was necessary?
A: I had just completed my 4 year degree and my husband was in the field. There were no jobs that were paying very well and so he convinced me to join the union.
Q: What is it like to work in this typically male dominated field?
A: There are a few stares, a few inappropriate comments here and there. But overall once you show that you are willing to work hard and earn the respect of your coworkers then it is the same as any other job. I like being respected by co-workers for work and not for being female or male.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge or biggest surprise working in this field?
A: I think my biggest challenge is wanting to lift and being physically able to do what the men do. However I am not, so asking for help has been my biggest challenge.
Q: What recommendations/advice would you have for other women considering a career in the trades?
A: Work your hardest, try your best, not being able to do something doesn’t mean that you will never be able to do something. Know that you don’t need to be perfect and that you don’t have to be the fastest, just always do your best and listen to advice of your foreman.