From Woodshop to High-Rises: Katherine Ngo Builds Her Own Path in Carpentry

Katherine Ngo expected to head straight to college after high school, even though she was uneasy about it. But when she took a woodshop class, she realized there was a different option for her. And that option was the perfect fit.

Now a professional carpenter at Swinerton, Katherine works on everything from commercial buildings to hospitals. Her job demands precision, focus and a lot of practical math. 

“I actually didn’t excel that well in math in school,” she says. With support from her crew, however, she excels at using it in the field.

Ngo wants aspiring tradespeople to know working in construction doesn’t mean fitting a certain mold. She gets her nails and lashes done. “People are surprised that I work in construction because I still like to keep my femininity at work,” she says. “I don’t look like a quote unquote average carpenter when I leave work.”

And that’s more than okay.

“I’m very happy that I chose to become a carpenter,” she says. “It’s [given me] the confidence that I bring every day in my own life.”

Interested in streamlining talent like Katherine into your company? Click here for tips on overcoming the challenges of running a registered apprenticeship program.