Chrissie Caprani: Electrician & IBEW Organizer Advocating for Women in Trades
Take a break, we're on Smoko. This week, we’re joined by Chrissie Caprani, a seasoned electrician and passionate advocate for women in the trades. With over 21 years of experience, Chrissie currently works as an organizer for IBEW Local 529 in Saskatchewan.
Chrissie shares her unique journey from an early love of art to a fulfilling career in the electrical trades. Her path wasn’t without challenges—math struggles, job site discrimination, and navigating male-dominated spaces were all part of her story. But Chrissie’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to growth helped her build a lasting and impactful career.
"I drove tanks in the military, and now I’m building futures as an electrician." – Chrissie Caprani
Our conversation highlights the importance of union support, including the role of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in securing fair wages, job protection, and training opportunities. Chrissie speaks to the transformative power of mentorship and emotional support, particularly through programs like Women in Traditional Trades (WIT) and women-led union committees.
Chrissie and Alexis also reflect on what’s needed to move the industry forward—more representation, stronger communities, and a collective push for inclusion and equity. It’s a dialogue full of grit, insight, and a shared call to action for listeners to get involved in mentorship, outreach, and systemic change.