Workforce Spotlight: Alyssa Radoicic
Alyssa Radoicic’s life changed when she was searching online for a new hands-on career and came across the Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT). CWIT is a part of the We Can Build It consortium, a workforce partnership connecting community members to construction careers and jobs building the Center.
Alyssa couldn’t believe CWIT’s program was free, and after taking a quick test, she was accepted. Following the program, she applied for Local 130’s apprenticeship. Her first on-site assignment is a unique one – the Obama Presidential Center!
Lakeside Alliance spoke with Alyssa, an Oak Lawn native, about what this project means to her, her advice for those considering a career in the trades and more. Read more below:
What kind of support did Chicago Women in Trades provide?
The program helped get me ready to take the entrance exam all trades have, preparing us for everything from basic tape measure reading and math skills to material handles and workouts because there is some heavy stuff out there! We’d also spend a day with different trades, performing hands-on work to see if we liked it. CWIT also helped us with resumes and to develop an elevator pitch to say why we should be hired. There are so many great people that work there to help you get all of your skills in line and help you look appealing for jobs!
What work do you perform on the Center?
The plumbing! I’m with the Marsh-Adamson team. I got to do the vent piping in the bathrooms for one of the sections, which was very challenging for me since I was only three months into my first job on site but my foreman had the confidence in me to do it. I have had a taste of almost everything related to plumbing – water mains, drain and waste, vent piping, even digging!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Every day can be different. A lot of times, I’ll be doing the same task until I’m done, but I may learn something brand new the next day. It keeps my brain fresh and keeps me on my toes!
What advice would you give someone who is seeking a career in the trades?
It’s never too late to do it! If you have the opportunity, go for it. Sometimes your path takes you one way and you may decide it’s not right, but it’s never too late to start something new.
What does it mean to you to be a part of this project?
To be a part of history, it’s amazing. To be your typical tradesperson and pass the site and be able to say I worked there is so cool. One thing I like about this job is that it’s very diverse, and I feel like that’s the whole point of the Obama Presidential Center – it’s for everyone to be included.
What is your greatest hope for the outcome of the Obama Presidential Center?
I hope that it brings everyone together and it’s a symbol to show anyone and everyone from all ages, skin colors and backgrounds that we can come together and be one. That’s how it should be.