I currently work as a Laborer for Grace Industries. I ensure that my job sites remain clean, safe, and organized while working with various construction trades, including electricians, masons, carpenters, operating engineers and many others. I’m proud to contribute to the progress we make and love being a part of the Haugland Group team. We’re all treated with respect and it’s nice to see the camaraderie I have with my coworkers. For the past 27 years I’ve also been a proud member of Building Trades Laborers’ Local 66 on Long Island, starting my career as an apprentice, working my way up to my current role as a shop steward in the union.

Prior to my career in construction, I primarily worked in the food service industry. I sought a change when I realized that the deli I worked in offered limited career prospects. Everything changed when I saw a woman working on a road crew. Interested by the potential of a construction career, I spoke with a friend who was a member of a union, who helped me become an apprentice in the building trades. Now, as a shop steward I take pride in encouraging other women who are just starting out.

It’s gratifying to inform newcomers who are just beginning their careers that pursuing a path in construction is an excellent choice.  Expect a good rate of pay with benefits and a pension. As a union member your hard work can lead to job opportunities in other trades. At Grace Industries, I love moving around and keeping busy. It’s how I was trained many years ago and to this day a busy day is a good day for me.