From the shop floor with Chyenne McPherson

Ashley Evans 
FMF CB/CS

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Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott, in Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax, millwright Chyenne McPherson was asked about her apprenticeship journey, both in school and on the shop floor, over the past year.

What is your current position title?

“I completed my dockyard written and practical trades test back in November, so I am now EME10. I’m also currently in school doing my level four block training.”

When will you be taking your red seal test?

“I’m planning to write my red seal certification exam at the end of April.”

You recently spoke on a virtual panel for Nova Scotia Apprenticeship and modeled for some images – one of which that was on a city bus – can you please speak about this?

“I spoke on a panel for International Women’s Day about my journey as a woman in trade; it’s always a pleasure speaking for the Nova Scotia Apprentice Agency (NSAA). Last summer, I participated in a photo/video shoot for NSAA and they have been using the content in commercials, advertisements, and on buses.”

How does it feel seeing your photo on a bus?

“It’s extremely exciting seeing my face on the side of a bus, it’s even more exciting hearing from people that they’ve seen me on the buses.”

What is the coolest project you’ve worked on during your time at FMFCS?

“Honestly, everything I work on is cool and fascinating, such as working on radars and antennas that do things I didn’t even know were possible.”

What’s a neat fact about your trade/shop/schooling/apprenticeship you’d like others to know?

“Cool thing about my shop and my line of work is the antennas and radars that I work on. It’s so cool to think about how far we have advanced in technology. It’s also really cool how not many people work on the same equipment as I do, or even know equipment like this exists.”

What has been the most impactful part of your schooling?

“The most impactful part is realizing how much school is preparing me for the next chapter of my life. It’s almost bitter sweet that this is my last block before I write my certification exam.”

What is the most common question you’re asked about your apprenticeship and the process of gaining your journeyperson certification?

“I’d say the most common question is if schooling is hard, and the answer is no, if you put in the work and pay attention in class your apprenticeship will fly by.”

What would you say to anyone looking to join the trades and start an apprenticeship?

“I would say do it. The trades are for everyone and hold so many opportunities. My apprenticeship journey has been an absolute breeze, through work and through NSAA. Not only are trades great paying jobs, but you make great connections with amazing people while working.”

Do you see more woman joining the trades?

“I definitely do see a lot more women in the trades, but not enough. For the longest time it was so male dominated, women were under the impression this type of work wasn’t meant for them. As we get more representation of women throughout the trades, we are starting to realize that trades aren’t meant for one specific gender, trades are for everyone.”

What are your career goals?

“My career goals are to obtain my journeyperson status, and stay working in the antenna shop as a mechanic.”