July 26, 2024 •Katherine Booher
This month, we are excited to feature Job Site Ready graduate Michelle Cura and learn more about her experiences as a construction trades professional.
How did you get started in the construction trades?
Michelle: I never really thought I would be involved in any facet of the construction trade. I always considered it a very manly world and very intimidating. My focus was more on carpentry but more so the woodworking and furniture making aspect. I started taking carpentry classes in Albuquerque at CNM (Central New Mexico) and as soon as I was introduced to the power tools and saws, I just knew I wanted to keep building and making things.
When I moved to Missoula in July of 2023, I never thought I would be working in carpentry but one day I saw a job posting for Missoula Aging Services and they were looking for a Home Modification Coordinator. I was not entirely sure what that entailed but I later learned that the work I would be doing required specific skills in safety and hardware installations in homes.
Tell us about your Job Site Ready training experience.
Michelle: When I was hired, I was offered to go through a training course called Job Site Ready and I was immediately grateful that I would be given the opportunity to learn more about construction and acquire new skills. Job Site Ready was such a great experience. In two days, I basically learned the fundamentals of constructing a home. In fact, we built a shed from the ground up, including the roof.
My job requires that I install safety hardware in people’s homes. That could be anything from grab bars to handrails and the most important thing is that I do it correctly so that it supports weight and provides the utmost stability. The learning curve is becoming familiar with different types of construction materials, drill bits, and accessories. Job Site Ready gives you ample introduction to all kinds of tools and scenarios within construction. It was a magnificent class and super fun.
What do you love most about your job? What construction trades skills do you use every day?
Michelle: I am so grateful to MAS for the opportunity they gave me to fulfill such a unique role in the community. Most people can’t even believe what I do, and I like being able to defy their expectations.
The biggest lesson I apply from this course into my everyday job is that because I can visualize the structure of a wall, and its components I have a better understanding of how to safely install hardware in our clients’ homes. In all honesty, at first, I was nervous and was terrified of making mistakes because most of my job requires drilling holes in different types of materials (ceramic, fiberglass, wood, concrete), but working in carpentry you soon find out mistakes are inevitable but forgiving. I quickly learned being cautious and taking my time is more useful than fear.
Can you remember the first time you got an "I Built That" feeling? What was that like?
Michelle: I remember having superpower moments of, “ Wow I did this,” or “ I did that” numerous times. I think the first time you cut a piece of wood on a table saw your ego and courage immediately expand, especially because of the focus it takes to stand up against these power tools. I was taught to be very respectful and never too confident around power tools and I think this is fundamental. It keeps your focus intact and prevents your work from becoming sloppy. I think taking classes and having access to well equipped carpentry studios is the best way to start and get your skills sharpened.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get started in construction?
Michelle: My advice to anyone who wants to get started in construction is to take classes, shadow someone who will give you the opportunity to learn and work beside them and start amassing your own set of tools. Also, don’t be afraid to buy wood and materials to practice and see what they do and what you can accomplish using different types of tools. I love going to Lowe’s and looking at all the various drill bits for different material. Another good way to practice is to refurbish furniture or take something apart and build it back together again. Start with simple projects and achiever bigger ones as you go.
Building and making something for yourself is one of the greatest personal achievements. It's very rewarding and can become quite addicting. Construction can be simple, to extravagant, but it should never deter you from doing something you want to do. Regardless of what they say, construction has no gender and in fact it just requires skill, tactfulness, and focus. I have learned that force and strength are required but not fundamental. The biggest mistakes occur when you force a tool to do something it doesn’t want to. There’s a reason something is failing or doesn’t work and when these situations arise you just have to change your perspective.
This interview was edited lightly for clarity.