Alicia Duggin has always been interested in the profession of heavy equipment operator that her father and older brother hold.
After completing her secondary education a few weeks ago, she set her sights on pursuing the Heavy Equipment Operation (HDEO) course offered by the Industrial Training Board.
She made what she believed to be a “no-brainer” decision, and it was evident when she began the grueling program and quickly rose to the highest student rank among the boys.
“I knew this would be my profession the moment I sat in that 236D skid steer loader and cranked that key.”
“The device had ignited a spark within me and made me willing to get my hands filthy, if necessary,” the young woman expressed.
Alicia Duggin recalled the challenges she faced during the program, including harsh comments from her male colleagues.
But Alicia said she used the criticism to prove them wrong and drive her to pursue her dream.
She did just that by graduating first in her class.
The easy part of the program, according to Alicia, was finally finishing the course. Soon she started looking for a job.
“I applied at numerous companies and received responses from all of them, but I chose Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc. because it would be advantageous to me in the long-term,” she explained.
This, however, is not the conclusion of her story; rather, it is only the beginning. The young lady thanked the Board of Industrial Training for allowing her the opportunity to realize a childhood aspiration.
That’s my kind of girl who can do anything . Congratulations!