I did a geography degree and after about 5 years of working different jobs realized that the work I like the best is hands on and physical. I took a short YWITT course where I had a chance to use some different shop tools. I realized that, just like anyone else, these were skills I could learn if I wanted. I took the carpentry pre-apprenticeship program when I was 30. I loved my job for the 15 years I worked as a builder and now I find teaching really interesting and fun.

I enjoy the variety of work in construction, the problem solving, the physicality, the comraderie of working hard with a crew. I also appreciate a bit of suffering. In carpentry you are always honing skills and learning new things, no matter how long you’ve been doing it.

I’m looking forward to this program because I like spending my day with interesting folks who are pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. I enjoy being part of a group that is supportive of everyone’s place there and everyone’s learning.

Julaine (they/them) is a settler, born and raised on Sǫ̀mbak’e - unceded territory of the Yellowknives Dene, Chief Drygeese, Treaty 8 and traditional territory of the Tłı̨chǫ, Treaty 11.

Coming from a large, blue-collar family, Julaine has always cherished the act of gathering folks over food, conversation and a common goal. They developed an interest in community building through co-creating the NWT Creative Collective (NWTCC), an arts organization to foster engagement and enjoyment of art at any stage.

Julaine completed the Yukon University pre-apprenticeship Carpentry Program in 2021 and went on to work in construction for a year utilizing YWITT’s support in navigating the challenges of the trades. Inspired by the work YWITT does, Julaine joined the team as a Community Action Leader (CAL) to support others in their trades journeys. Julaine is grateful for the opportunity to facilitate folks coming together to skill build, and work towards a more equitable future for trades workers in the Yukon.