Being able to stay home and work in a good job meant everything to Alexis Lynk.
The first female sheet metal apprentice to work in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Lynk decided to try the trade because it provides a stable career.
“I’ve always been into the trades. That’s what I like to do,” said the 32-year-old Sydney woman, who is a second-year apprentice.
“Roofing gave me an opportunity to stay home in Cape Breton, which was a driving factor and I’m able to excel (in) my career.”
Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers International Association Local 56 held an open house on Saturday at its workspace in the Sydport Industrial Park. Lynk was there learning how to do a corner on a flat-roofed non-residential building, such as a medical complex, office or school.
With the current buildings under construction in the CBRM — including the new cancer centre at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the Nova Scotia Community College Sydney Waterfront Campus, a union spokesperson said there are a lot of positions to be filled.