Wednesday, July 22, 2026

#WomenWednesday - Shandora Threadgould

Meet Shandora Threadgould, a proud CLAC Local 63 member and apprentice carpenter

For Shandora Threadgould, becoming a carpenter wasn't a sudden career change, it was the realization of a long-term goal.

Although she officially began her apprenticeship in January 2026, she's spent more than 15 years working in various roles within the trades. Today, she's proud to be building a career she's passionate about.

Finding the Right Fit

"I realized I wanted to work in construction because I found that traditional jobs such as retail, food service, and clerical work were not a good fit for me," she says. "I am a hands-on person who enjoys problem-solving, critical thinking, and working in dynamic environments. Construction challenges me physically and mentally, and every day requires focus, adaptability, and a strong commitment to safety."

Her inspiration started much earlier.

"As a child, I was inspired by the fact that Jesus was a carpenter. Growing up in a faith-based household, that always resonated with me. The idea of creating and building something meaningful has stayed with me throughout my life and continues to motivate me every day."

Learning From Others

Although Shandora is often the only woman on her crew, she's found inspiration in the people around her.

"I have not had the opportunity to work alongside many women in the field, as I am often the only woman on the crew. However, one of the women I look up to most is my CLAC representative, Tenille Kowalchuk," she says. "Tenille has had a significant impact on my life and career. Even after experiencing a career-altering injury, she chose to continue serving and supporting others within the industry. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping people grow and succeed are qualities that I deeply admire."

She's also grateful for the mentors who have helped shape her as a carpenter.

"I have been fortunate to work alongside several outstanding mentors. One mentor in particular has had a tremendous influence on my development as a carpenter. In a short period of time, he has taught me valuable lessons about safety, craftsmanship, accountability, and professionalism. He has always looked out for my well-being, corrected mistakes before they became hazards, and encouraged me to learn the right way rather than the easy way.

"I have also had the privilege of learning from several other experienced tradespeople who have shown patience, compassion, and a genuine willingness to share their knowledge. Each of them has contributed to my growth in meaningful ways."

Building Confidence

One lesson that surprised Shandora came from something that initially seemed complicated.

"One surprising thing I learned was how to build a basic staircase used to safely cross over a rebar cage. At first, it seemed like a complicated task, but I quickly realized that it was built using simple principles and careful measurements. It showed me how something can be both straightforward and highly effective when designed properly."

One of her proudest moments has been working on a bridge construction project.

"Being part of a bridge construction project is something I am incredibly proud of. When I started my apprenticeship, I never imagined that my first major project would involve helping build a bridge. The work is demanding, challenging, and requires constant attention to detail.

"What makes me most proud is knowing that every member of the team plays a role in creating something that will serve the public for years to come. Construction is about more than building structures; it is about teamwork, trust, and maintaining a strong commitment to safety. Seeing the finished product and knowing I contributed to it is extremely rewarding."

Advice for Women Considering the Trades

For women thinking about entering construction, Shandora encourages them to believe in themselves.

"I would encourage them to believe in themselves and not be intimidated by entering a male-majority industry. Construction can be challenging, and it requires resilience, confidence, and a willingness to learn. It is important to understand that workplace frustrations are often directed at situations, not individuals."

She also believes carpentry offers something uniquely rewarding.

"I would encourage young women to consider carpentry because of how rewarding the work is. At the end of the day, you can stand back and see the results of your efforts. Whether you are working as part of a team or completing a project independently, there is a tremendous sense of pride in creating something tangible.

"The work builds confidence, independence, and a strong sense of accomplishment. It challenges you physically and mentally, but it also teaches perseverance and problem-solving. There is something empowering about knowing that you have the skills to build and create, and I believe more women should experience that feeling."

Looking Ahead

When asked how women can continue to be supported in the skilled trades, Shandora believes mentorship and recognition make a real difference.

"I believe CLAC already plays an important role in supporting women in the trades. Throughout my experience, I have found the organization to be welcoming, supportive, and committed to creating opportunities for all workers. They encourage open communication, recognize the contributions of women in construction, and help foster an environment where everyone can succeed.

"Continuing to raise awareness, provide mentorship opportunities, and celebrate the achievements of women in the industry will help encourage more women to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Feeling seen, valued, and respected can make a significant difference, and CLAC does an excellent job of promoting those values."

#WomenWednesday - Shandora Threadgould

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