I am a red seal 313a Refrigeration & A/C Mechanic and I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, teaching ability, and advocacy to the skilled trades. I’m not just someone who knows how to fix and install complex mechanical systems—I’m someone who can break them down, teach them to others, and use them as a platform for change, pretty cool eh!
Beyond the job site one of my standout skills is translating technical knowledge into accessible learning. As an instructor, I’ve helped apprentices and students—especially women and underrepresented groups—build confidence in a field that often feels chilly. I know how to meet people where they are, adapt to different learning styles, and foster inclusive, empowering environments.
But what really sets me apart is my work as an advocate and business owner. I founded Fair-Trades Toolbox to help employers build more inclusive crews by supporting the hiring, integration, and retention of women and underrepresented groups in skilled trades. From running workplace inclusion workshops to designing mentorship strategies and leadership development for journeypersons, I specialize in bridging the gap between the old school mentality and real-world job site culture.
My advocacy is rooted in my lived experience. I’ve navigated the trades as a woman, mentored others doing the same, and now consult on how to make workplaces safer, more inclusive, and ultimately more effective. Whether I’m on the tools, in the classroom, or at the boardroom table, I bring integrity, insight, and a problem-solving mindset that bridges gaps and builds futures.
Bottom line: My cool skills lie at the intersection of trade mastery, education, leadership, and social impact—and I use them to make the skilled trades more accessible, inclusive, and future-ready.
Brandi Ferenc
