School of Trades and Technology Menu
RBC Women in Trades Blog
May: Your Dreams Come True (Adrienne Nisyok)
Posted by on: May 20, 2016
As a continuation of May: Your Dreams Come True, where we feature TRU Red Seal female professionals, we are excited to interview Adrienne Nisyok.
Adrienne Nisyok is a proud member of the Nisga’a Nation from the remote community of Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh) located in Northwest British Columbia. Although she has primarily resided in the beautiful community of Gitlakdamix, her heritage is also rooted with Haisla and Tsimshian ancestry. Adrienne has worked as a Journeyman Electrician for more than thirteen years, receiving her credentials from Thompson Rivers University.
This is something we always want to know… who or what inspired you to get into trades?
My father inspired me to get into trades, watching him and learning as a child/teenager encouraged me to follow in his footsteps.
Is he a tradesworker?
Yes. Today, my dad has been working as a certified electrician for 38 years!
Amazing 🙂 We always hear from students how a strong support system, whether inside the classroom with faculty support, or outside the classroom, like family, is crucial to success. Is this true for you?
The faculty at TRU are phenomenal. They encouraged me to continue on, and pushed me through times where I might have doubted myself. But my family was the backbone of my success. Throughout the years and still today, my family is consistent in providing support as I stride toward my goals in life. My parents and two older sisters always lead by example, instilling integrity, work ethic and confidence in me. I would not be where I am today without them.
Wooden box shelf, painted in a serenity blue chalky finish , with 3 multicolor led lights.
Goals? For many, you seem to have reached many goals- you’ve been certified for thirteen years, and you’re in a union position, living a quite a comfortable lifestyle. ‘Living the Dream’ some may say, through your trades training and career choices. What further goals do you have in mind?
I have a great career, yes, and excellent employer, but there is always new things to learn, especially in electrical. I like to ensure I am up-to-date on any changes in the industry and I am always willing to gain more experience as an industrial maintenance electrician at my place of employment. But, I’m not done growing yet!
One day, I plan to operate my very own electrical business (commercial /residential)! A goal is just a dream if you don’t have a plan in place, and I am midway through this plan right now as I am currently taking a weekend business course through UVIC’s Peter B Gustavson School of Business. The objective of this course is to teach leadership and entrepreneurship to trades workers so that they may own their own business. I am doing very well in the program.
A vintage Edison light with usb and electrical outlet.
You are already a role model, and you will be even more of a person to look to as an Aboriginal, female, and coming from a small community once you reach your goals!
It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions but I will persevere to overcome this next challenge in my career and utilize the valuable resources available.
Do you have any parting words? Perhaps something that may inspire someone to do as you did, and to pursue their trades training at TRU for themselves.
I am happy to spread the message about how great TRU trades training is! By receiving my credentials from TRU in 2002, I have enhanced my skills and knowledge in the trade and have broadened my employment opportunities.
I hope to influence more youth, men and women to seek advanced education and employment in the field of trades.
To future trade students, accept the challenge with a positive mindset, take it one day at a time and always try your best to learn something new every day, whether it’s big or small.
“Education is the key to success for everyone; it embraces no specific race or gender, but benefits all those who aspire and persist.”
Below are some creative electrical project Nisyok does on her spare time. Neat!
