How a Master Electrician Built a Career Championing Skill Over Stereotypes
A Determined Start
For Tania-Joy Bartlett, the trades have never been just about wiring buildings or operating heavy machinery — they’ve been about dismantling barriers. After earning her 309A Construction Maintenance certification and her Heavy Equipment Operator certification, she pursued the demanding path to becoming a Master Electrician.
Her drive was never rooted solely in personal accomplishment. It was about building a future where skill, dedication, and safety took precedence over gender or background.
“When I wasn’t accepted at my past employer,” she recalls, “I created a workplace that focused on safety, quality, and equality.”
Early Lessons in Leadership
From the very beginning of her career, Tania-Joy embraced two guiding principles: hard work is non-negotiable and education is a lifelong pursuit. She refused to meet only the baseline requirements — instead, she surpassed them, ensuring she had “more qualifications than those discriminating.”
Leading by example became her trademark. Her philosophy was simple yet powerful:
“My own standards — no one’s harder on me than I am on myself.”
Creating an Inclusive Workplace
As the former owner of New Beginnings Contracting Services and New Beginnings Building Services, Tania-Joy set out to design an environment where the best person for the job got the job — period.
The challenges of being a woman in the trades were real: harassment, discrimination, and skepticism came not only from peers but sometimes even from clients. She chose not to retreat but to innovate — building a culture of inclusivity where skill outshone prejudice.
This vision earned her 25 local community awards and recognition from her local Chamber of Commerce for her commitment to diversity and equality in the workplace.
Balancing Work and Home
Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, Tania-Joy remained deeply rooted in her personal life in the Kawartha region. Fishing trips, gardening, reading, and family time provided the balance she believes is essential for long-term success.
“You need both to be successful in your personal and business life,” she emphasizes. “Finding the perfect balance between work and home is what keeps you grounded.”
Recognition for Service and Impact
While her professional milestones are remarkable, it is her volunteer work that she speaks of most proudly. Among her many awards, her Volunteer Award with Junior Achievement holds special meaning.
Through school visits and mentoring programs, she has encouraged countless young people to consider careers in the trades. “Education and self-determination — that’s what I want students to see,” she says.
Her dedication extended beyond speeches — she invested time in continuing education for herself and those around her. “Continue education and training on new skills and products. It’s how you stay ahead,” she advises.
Lessons from the Journey
Tania-Joy’s career wasn’t without setbacks. A recent health challenge and the closure of her businesses marked a difficult chapter — one she chooses to keep separate from her future.
Yet, even in adversity, she held firm to her standards. Her resilience remains rooted in the same mindset that guided her from the start: “No one’s harder on me than I am on myself.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Today, Tania-Joy continues her mission to reshape the conversation around careers in the trades. Her message to students and newcomers is clear:
“Have both — personal fulfillment and professional skill — and you’ll go further than you think.”
Her legacy is more than her technical expertise. It is the proof that true leadership in the trades comes from creating opportunities, championing diversity, and fostering environments where skill — not stereotype — determines success.
