03/04/2026
Meet Maggie Fitzgerald.
Maggie graduated from the BSC program in 2025. She has always had a strong drive to be active, both mentally and physically, and it seemed that every other job opportunity was one or the other. The trades opened a whole new world for her, where every opportunity is one to learn, create, and stay active.
After expressing interest in her high school shop classes, her dad directed her toward the BSC website.
“The biggest thing [the trades] have done for me is give me the opportunity to be completely self-sustaining at 18. I have my own apartment and car and don’t need to rely on anyone for my basic needs. It’s also given me something to be proud of. I’m proud of myself and everyone else in the trades that show up to work and put in the effort every day to learn and get a job done,” said Maggie.
For Maggie, attending the Ironworkers Local 512 physical training day helped her understand what daily work would be like, both physically and mentally. Maggie is currently a pile driver with Pile Drivers Local 1847and works for Carl Bolander & Sons.
“Your dreams are never unreachable; the only person standing in the way of them is you. The biggest thing I’ve learned and am currently working on is learning to do well and thrive when I’m uncomfortable, when things get hard, when it’s a -30-degree wind chill, and I have to cut a couple hundred studs and stack a couple hundred more boards that all weigh more than I do. Not only do I make myself do it, but I make myself do it with a good attitude. It’s not easy, but a smile on the face of a hardworking person has always gotten me through my day. Be that person.”
