I need trades advice
Hello. 22F. I just had an interview with a small company for a Painting & Decorating job. I got the job.
I am currently registered with STEP (Skilled Trades Employment Program) and I have an advisor who I check in with regularly during my job hunt. He says I should not take the job for the following reasons: 1) it is sub-contract work 2) the fact that I am a woman plays a weird role in my hiring (too long of a backstory) 3) I told the company I cannot start on Monday but they seem persistent on it 4) I am expected to purchase safety equipment (harnesses, hardhat, work boots) on my own and then get reimbursed later on, but spending that much money out of pocket to get reimbursed later is not an option for me and STEP can only help me get the tools if 5) I receive an official employment later and paystubs, which this company cannot provide.
I was also told 1 week paid vacation per year which isn't a huge problem for me but raises questions about the company's values on taking time off.
So obviously, I am skeptical but I've even considered taking this job because I'm so desperate. I WOULD consider it even more if the company could sponsor me for a Skilled Trades BC apprenticeship. But, they are not familiar with the process and don't seem very keen on it.
I worked as a bike technician for 4.5 years and that's pretty much my only experience in the trades. I would really go for anything at this point, maybe I need to change my pathway. I am good at math and physics so potentially electrical?
Can someone give me some advice? Maybe a woman in trades who has a short story of how she got into what she got into? Or anyone at this point...
Thanks :)