Celebrating Cape Breton Skilled Tradespeople: Lori Borgal
Celebrating Trades and Technology Week
“Women Unlimited changed my life. It’s almost like a sisterhood. Even though I’ve graduated from the program, I still find ways to give back.”— Lori Borgal, Red Seal Journeyperson
Lori Borgal has been working in the skilled trades for more than ten years, but her journey didn’t start out smoothly. While receiving support through social assistance, Lori connected with the Women Unlimited program through one of its partner programs. That connection became a turning point in her life, helping her discover a future in the trades.
Women Unlimited helped Lori discover her interest in plumbing and find the direction she needed to move forward. The program also supported her as she completed her plumbing training at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), providing practical assistance, including bus passes, to help her along the way.
Since then, Lori’s career as a plumber has taken off. Today, she works with Bird Infrastructure, where she has been part of the team for two years. She is currently working on hospital and health-care infrastructure projects on Cape Breton’s Northside, helping deliver essential facilities for her community. She is also proud to work alongside another woman plumber on her team.
Lori has been a member of Local 682 for seven years and recognizes the important role the union has played in supporting women in the trades.
Having moved to Cape Breton 17 years ago, Lori appreciates the opportunity to build her career close to home. Throughout her career, she has worked on several major infrastructure projects across the region, allowing her to contribute to meaningful work while enjoying something she values deeply: being close to her family and seeing them every day. She is grateful to the people and organizations that have supported her along the way and continues to find ways to give back to her community.