Skilled, Strong, and Inspiring: Pascale Hughes on Women in RV Trades

The landscape of skilled trades is evolving, with more women than ever breaking barriers and building successful careers. The RV industry, a vibrant and growing sector, is no exception. We recently had the privilege of interviewing the talented Pascale Hughes, thriving as an RV service technician, whose insights offer a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and unique contributions women bring to these essential roles. Her story is a beacon for those looking to forge their own paths in trades.

Mentorship: A Cornerstone of Growth and Confidence

“You can still be a mom, raise kids, and work in a trade.”

Pascale Hughes profoundly underscored the impact of strong mentorship on her journey. She credits her former colleagues, service managers, and teachers at SAIT as pivotal figures. "They have all been very supportive and encouraging every step of the way," she shared, emphasizing their patience in helping her navigate challenges. "They have always been patient and helped walk me through my struggles and have been available to answer any questions I have had," she recalled, asserting, "I wouldn't be where I am today without their support." This highlights the critical role that supportive relationships play in empowering individuals to develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in trades.

Unique Strengths Women Bring to the Trades

When discussing the distinctive qualities women bring to the RV service technician trade, Pascale Hughes offered compelling observations. She believes that "Women are generally very nurturing and patient." Coupled with being "quite attentive to detail," these traits create a "fantastic combination when it becomes our turn to lead and mentor apprentices," while striving for the highest standard in work and service excellence. She noted a strong desire "to help make the whole experience as best as possible and build a relationship so the customers come back."

The Deeply Rewarding Aspects of the Work

For Pascale Hughes, the most fulfilling aspects of her work are intertwined with empowerment. She finds immense satisfaction in successfully guiding her apprentices. "The most rewarding and fulfilling aspect of my work is when I have successfully walked one of my apprentices through an issue they were having and seeing them succeed". This reward is amplified "especially when they feel they can trust me with their problems and come to me for help". Beyond internal team development, building strong, trusting relationships with happy customers is a significant source of pride. "If they leave happy, I am happy. If they come back happy, I’m even happier".

Paving the Way and Inspiring the Next Generation

Pascale Hughes is keenly aware that her presence in a historically male-dominated industry is actively "helping to pave the way for other women. Her message to young women considering skilled trades is a powerful call to action: "You can do anything you set your mind to". She urges, "Do not let others set your limits for you". She emphasizes the importance of persistence: "Keep pushing through the adversity". Moreover, she encourages self-advocacy and celebration: "Always celebrate your wins and share those wins with everyone around you. Be proud and don't be afraid to share it! Make sure you are being treated fairly and stand up for yourself when you need to".

Dispelling Misconceptions and Developing Essential Skills

Pascale Hughes was quick to dismantle common misconceptions about working in the trades:

• "You do not need to have some sort of mechanical hands on experience to be in trades."

• "You can start in a trade at any age with any level of experience."

• "You can absolutely have a great balance between home life and work."

• "You can still be a mom, raise kids, and work in a trade."

• "You don't need to be a 'Tom boy' and strong and manly to be in the trades."

When asked about specific skills important for women to develop in the RV service sector, she focused on both interpersonal and mechanical aptitudes. For interpersonal skills, she cited "resiliency, confidence, and the ability to give yourself grace for your mistakes" as crucial, acknowledging that "Being a woman in a trade unfortunately comes with some adversity". Her empowering advice? "Remember, this isn't your problem, it's the person that's challenging you who has the problem". Mechanically, she believes that "everything can be learned". The key, she states, is having "the drive to learn about and independently solve a variety of problems" and a desire "to be able to have a broad technical and mechanical skill set relating to a multitude of other trades".

This interview serves as a powerful testament to the burgeoning opportunities for women in the RV industry and skilled trades at large. With determination, a commitment to learning, and the invaluable support of mentors, women are not just entering but excelling and leading the way, reshaping these vital sectors for a more inclusive future.