Finding their frame: Women in Construction Week features two inspiring NC Carpentry students

March 1-7 marks Women in Construction Week 2026, celebrating the theme: “Level Up. Build Strong.”

Before they found the Carpentry and Renovation Technician (Co-op) program at Niagara College, Steph Taylor and Gloria LeBreton-Taylor were searching for direction, confidence, and a place to feel they belonged.

During this years’ Women in Construction Week, NC is proud to showcase the inspiring stories of women who persevered through setbacks and discovered a meaningful path for their talents in the skilled trades.

For Taylor of Oakville and LeBreton-Taylor of Port Colborne, the road to carpentry was not a straight one.

Steph Taylor

After struggling through high school as a disengaged student, Taylor went on to build a promising career in Toronto in healthcare, working in orthopedic operating rooms, dental offices, and research.

Her plans to return to school were shattered when a car accident took her father’s life, changing everything.

Seeking a fresh start and more space, Taylor moved to Welland. Renovating a duplex ignited the passion that led her to carpentry.

“That’s where I started dreaming about all the improvements I could make to the property, and ultimately where I decided to go into carpentry,” said Taylor, who was disappointed with the quality of the work she’d hired out. “I knew I could do a better job if I only knew how, so I decided I was going to learn to do it myself.”

Her journey at NC began with Academic Upgrading to earn the high school credits she had not completed.

“Even though I’d held good jobs, not having my diploma always bothered me.”

Through her NC program, Taylor found a love for the space where art and carpentry meet: framing, finish carpentry, interior design, tiny homes, and more.

Her co-op placement in NC’s Carpentry lab was a standout experience, and Taylor gives thanks to Construction Technologist Marco Giorgi and her faculty for their mentorship.

“I got to be part of projects that taught me so much and that I felt truly proud of,” said Taylor.

One such project was a playhouse building she completed with a small student team, guided by program coordinator Alex Lukacs.

The playhouse was donated to the Kristen French Advocacy Centre in the fall where it was auctioned off at the annual Brave Hearts Gala.

“What I learned during that project has helped me immensely, from understanding initial framing all the way to finishing details,” said Taylor, who plans to complete her apprenticeship and earn her Red Seal. “It helped build my confidence, and it was a lot of fun.”

Financial support through bursaries played a crucial role in her journey, including an entrance bursary and the Dan Patterson Legacy – Rankin Construction Inc. Bursary.

“Receiving this $1,500 bursary has been a huge help as I continue my studies in the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program at Niagara College,” said Taylor. “Between tuition and the cost of high-quality tools, the expenses of a trades program add up quickly. This support took a lot of weight off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on learning my craft in the shop rather than worrying about the bills. I’m incredibly grateful for the head start this gives me in my career.

Taylor’s message for women and girls considering the trades is clear:

“Absolutely do it! There’s a place for you in this field. Bring your skills, your perspective, your passion. Someone out there will need exactly what you have to offer. We are waiting for you!”

Gloria LeBreton-Taylor

LeBreton-Taylor returned to NC for Carpentry after courses in the General Arts and Science program, having first earned her high school diploma through the dual credit program.

“I had struggled in school my entire life due to personal obstacles, and I never imagined college could be a part of my future,” she said. “I went from dropout to honour roll because Niagara College supports its students in a way I have never experienced before.”

Before finding the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Co-op program, she worked in customer service and later as a cook, gaining skills and experience along the way. But she often thought back to the hours spent building and fixing things in the garage with her dad.

“Those moments are some of my favorite memories. I loved seeing a project come together and thinking how I made that happen; imagine what else I can do.”

That became the catalyst for LeBreton-Taylor’s pursuit of carpentry.

“I wanted a career that would let me continue creating, keep challenging myself, and build the confidence to see what I could accomplish.”

Through her NC program, LeBreton-Taylor has discovered a way to channel both her creativity and strong work ethic.

“Carpentry is such a beautiful balance of mind and body. There’s always something to plan, build, refine, or repair. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of creativity versus physical strength, there’s a place for you in this trade.”

LeBreton-Taylor finds inspiration daily from her NC colleagues in FMS where she is currently completing her co-op placement.

“That experience showed me just how much work goes into maintaining the spaces we often take for granted.”

She has plans to earn her Red Seal and gain experience doing renovation work.

Receiving the Empire Homes scholarship was a boost of confidence for Lebreton-Taylor.

“It was awarded because of my improved grades in comparison to my first round at NC it was a surprise but one I am very proud of, it changed my mindset on what kind of student I could be.”

To the women who feel called to the trades, LeBreton-Taylor says: Bring it.

“Bring your passion, your hard work, your creativity. You will be amazed by the world of opportunity right in front of you. There is no limit to what you can build for yourself and the world around you. Let’s build a future you want to see!”

Women in Construction Panel: April 13

As part of Inclusion Week, Niagara College School of Trades, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Community Relations teams, in partnership with the Niagara Home Builders’ Association, will host a panel event on April 13 from 1 to 2 p.m. to celebrate women in construction. The panel will take place in AH255 at Welland Campus. Register here.