LANGFORD, B.C. – Educator and plumber Tamara Pongracz can now add board member to her resume.
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Trades Access chief instructor and interprovincial certified plumber has joined the board of directors of the Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC).
Pongracz joined the trades in 1988 at the encouragement of her father, an Indigenous plumber, pipefitter and union activist, and she had “a combination of genuine interest in the trades and the prospect of financial independence (which) played major factors in her initial career decision,” a CFBC release said.
“Having an Indigenous father who was a brilliant tradesperson, he was my role model. He was leap years ahead of his time to encourage me to go into the skilled trades…I found the work interesting, but the money is what grabbed me. Trades work offered me my independence,” she said.
Under Pongracz’s direction, BCIT introduced a holistic approach to their women in trades curriculum which resulted in BCIT’s adaptation of a revised curriculum in 2001 that included all learners interested in pursuing the trades, the release said.
“The curriculum that was built into the previous trades exploration program fell just short of what we needed to do to prepare these folks for the rigors of the trades workplace. We adjusted the approach of the program to help to set the women up for success and resiliency as they changed their financial situation for themselves, their children, and their communities,” she said.
Pongracz also voiced her enthusiasm for her new position.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity to join the folks at the Construction Foundation of BC,” she said. “I have watched the enthusiasm of Abigail (Fulton, CFBC executive director)…I’ve seen the amazing work that they have been doing.”
What a wonderful role model Tamara is….
Good luck with your new venture.