Like mother, like daughter - pursuing a career in trades

It’s not surprising that Deena Harding is pursuing a career in an occupation traditionally dominated by men. She was influenced by her mother, who enjoyed a long and successful career as a plumber.

Deena is enrolled in the seven month welding program at Malaspina University-College's Nanaimo campus.

"Not many females typically enroll in the program," said coordinator Shuji Tabata. "Out of 60 students this semester, three are female. "Usually there’s only one per semester."

Tabata said more young women - and men - should be encouraged to pursue careers in trades like welding because "there are plenty of good paying jobs to go around. Almost everyone enrolled in the welding program finds jobs," said Tabata. "We have Malaspina graduates all over the world, working in shipyards, manufacturing plants, repair and maintenance shops and elsewhere."

Tabata said welding is a "basic trade." Whether you work as a heavy duty mechanic, boilermaker, millwright, pipefitter or automotive mechanic, or as a carpenter, welding is a valuable and essential skill, he said.

Harding, who graduates from the program in April 2005, is working towards her Level B welding ticket, while classmates, Heather Calwell and Kim Burton, are working towards their Level C certificates.

"I choose welding because I really enjoyed metal work in high school," said Burton, who grew up in Cowichan.

"My dad was proud of the projects I made in class. He constantly told one of his friends about me, a friend who happened to own a bridge building company in Duncan. The friend promised me a job if I completed Malaspina’s welding program, and that’s a big reason why I’m here."

Harding also enjoyed shop classes in high school; although she focused on mechanics. She said her mother – who worked as a plumber– had the biggest influence on her decision to pursue a trade.

"When I was about eight years old, I went to a career fair with my mom at a post-secondary institution, and a photograph was taken of my mom showing me how to light a blow torch," said Harding. "When I think about that photo, I guess becoming a welder was meant to be. I love working with my hands and can’t see myself doing anything else."

Calwell said her uncle was a welder. "He always told me how much he enjoyed it," said Calwell. "I took wood working in high school, but was always more interested in welding."

Burton’s career choice was heavily influenced by her father and high school friends.

"I’ve been surrounded by men my whole life," said Burton. "I didn’t have a mother growing up and most of friends were males. That influenced me to go into a trade," she said. "I’ve wanted to do this for as long as I can remember."

Burton, selected by her peers as class president, has no qualms about taking a strong leadership role in a trade typically dominated by males.

"I’m very impressed with the young women who have chosen to be enrolled in Trades and Technology this semester at Malaspina," said Fred MacDonald, Dean of Trades and Applied Technology.

"They are confident, outgoing and focused on their studies, and they are a real asset to our student body. Hopefully more young women will think seriously about pursuing a trade. There’s no reason in the world why they can’t."

Editor’s note: A free information session and tours for Malaspina’s Trades and Technology programs will be held at the Nanaimo campus on February 25 at 11 am and at 1 pm in Building 180, Room 134. Check with the Advising Centre for more details at (250) 740-6410.