Women in Construction Week Spotlight: Heather Bent

Heather has worked in the trades in some capacity for most of her adult life, most recently as an automotive technician. While she still loves machines (especially cars!), she’s found her long-term career in the pipe trades, working as a third year apprentice at Modern.

“Being part of a union isn’t just about a good paycheck or the awesome benefits; union worker solidarity brings a noticeable difference in culture that I didn’t find elsewhere," she said.

Today, Heather builds complex process piping systems and operates equipment like telehandlers and power tools — and she says there’s nothing better than stepping back and "looking at something I've built and knowing I was part of that. I helped build that.”

She’s grateful for the knowledge she’s gained from the journeymen she’s worked alongside and is proud to be part of a trade that values skill, hard work and teamwork.

Her advice for other women considering a career in construction?

“Dip your toes in. You might not have a female role model in the trades. But if you can imagine her, you can be her. Be the role model you wish you had. We’re every bit as capable as the fellas and, in my experience, the guys are glad to have us and prepared to teach us.”

We're proud to have women like Heather representing the strength, skill and solidarity of Local 25!