In a trade where women remain a rarity, Angelica Rigas is rewriting the narrative. As a technician at ECA Canada’s Toronto branch, Rigas has not only carved out her place in a male-dominated industry but also earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues through her relentless work ethic, passion for her craft, and commitment to teamwork.
Rigas’s path to becoming a heavy equipment technician was anything but conventional. “Back in 2016, I moved out to British Columbia without much of a plan,” she recalls. “I met a mechanic, and we started fixing up camper vans. We’d rebuild engines in a garage, even pulling them out on the sidewalk with an engine crane. That’s when I really found my passion for working on machines.”
After returning to Ontario in 2020, Rigas explored different trades before entering heavy equipment. When United Rentals offered her a role as an apprentice, she jumped at the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Eventually, ECA found her. “I thought, maybe this is the world pulling me back to where I belong,” Rigas says of her decision to join the Toronto branch.
Finding Her Place in the Trades
Rigas is candid about the challenges women face entering the trades, but she emphasizes that the industry is changing. “There’s an old fear about women coming into a male-dominated shop environment, but I’ve encountered nothing but respect and encouragement,” she says. “It’s about proving that you can do the job. Sometimes it just means finding the right tool or a different approach to get it done.”
Being the only woman in her heavy equipment class could have been intimidating, but Rigas thrives on breaking barriers. She has even made it a point to inspire the next generation of girls. “I had a group of Girl Guides come into the shop. Most of them weren’t that interested, but there was one who really lit up. That’s what it’s about, showing them this is an option.”
Passion for the Work
When it comes to her work, Rigas thrives on variety and problem-solving. “No two days are the same,” she says. “I like being challenged and doing something different every day.” Her specialty? Diagnosing complex hydraulic and mechanical systems. “I really enjoy working on the HPSI power packs. They’re straightforward but rewarding when you get everything running just right,” she adds.
Recently, she spent two weeks troubleshooting a drill rig that initially appeared to have an electrical issue but turned out to require major hydraulic repairs. “Jobs like that are challenging, but when you finally solve the problem, it’s a great feeling.”
The Power of Teamwork
Rigas credits much of her success to the strong team dynamic at ECA Toronto. “There’s so much to know about these machines that no one can know it all. We rely on each other’s strengths. If I haven’t worked on something before, I’ll ask one of the guys, and they’ll share their knowledge,” she says. “That teamwork not only makes us better as individuals, but it also makes the branch stronger.”
Beyond technical expertise, the Toronto team fosters a supportive environment built on trust and camaraderie. “We’re in a dangerous job. It’s important to know that your coworkers have your back,” Rigas emphasizes.
Advice for Women Entering the Industry
Her message to other women considering the trades is clear: “If you like to be challenged, if you like variety, and you don’t want to sit still, there’s nothing stopping you. This is a rewarding career with so much room for growth.”
At just two years with ECA, Angelica Rigas has already established herself as a vital part of the Toronto branch’s success and as an inspiration for those who dare to break the mold.
Looking for your next career opportunity? ECA is looking for technicians!
Topics: