Genevieve Ellis (she/her)

About me

I was born/grew up in: Kitchener, Ontario

I now live in: Ridgeway Ontario, near Fort Eerie

I completed my training/education at: I completed a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfred Laurier in Sociology.  Then I completed the Welding Techniques Certificate from Conestoga College and the Pressure Systems Welder Apprenticeship with IBB Local 128.

What I do at work

As a Supervisor I oversee 10 to 12 welders and support them in the work they do. In the morning I complete pre-job briefs and safety moment of the day. I provide work direction to the team. The team is then dispatched to perform their welding duties. I oversee orbital welding, and coordinate with the mechanical side of things. When the tubes are fit, we have welders ready to weld the tubes together.  I address safety and quality concerns. I interpret RT (radiographic testing) reports. RT is a procedure that uses x-rays or gamma rays to see inside a structure. This procedure shows us things we can see and helps make sure the welds are safe. I also meet with the welding superintendent to figure out changes in the welding process if required. At all times I am troubleshooting issues that come up!

My day wraps with a post-day brief and a “teaser” to the crew for next day.  There is a great deal of communication involved in my job. It’s important to understand and be able to work with people who all have different personalities. Good communication skills are a must. I have to explain things clearly and concisely, so others understand what needs to be done.  I also have to be able to read blueprints, understand codes and welding symbols, and have a good understanding of metallurgy.

My career path is

I did not know what I wanted to be in high school.  I liked working with my hands. I was always building tree forts, bike jumps, dreaming up things to make, and taking things apart to see how they worked.  I came from a traditional family with parents working more traditional gender role jobs. I was expected to go to university. When I was halfway through the program, I knew it was not for me. But I stuck with it and completed the program.

When I graduated, I was looking for a job and applied to be a police officer. Unfortunately, I was not old enough at the time and did not have enough life experience.  I was tired of working minimum wage jobs and decided to go back to school. I was out driving with my dad, discussing what I should do. He turned the car and went right to Conestoga College campus. We went in and spoke with an advisor to discuss what I could do. Later, I attended an open house at the college and toured the welding shop. I had taken Automotive Engineering as an elective in high school and enjoyed the welding aspect of that. Because of this I decided to enroll in the welding program. 

When I completed this program, the boilermakers were recruiting for a new pressure systems welder program. I was in the second cohort to graduate. During and after my apprenticeship, I got to work in a variety of environments. Some places I have worked include steel mill, refineries, and a wastewater treatment plant. I have worked in nuclear power plants a couple of times. Because of this experience, I was hired by Aecon to join a nuclear plant refurbishment project. I started with Aecon as a trainer, then sub-foreman, and now welding supervisor.

I am motivated by

I enjoy working with apprentices. I love their energy and the new ideas they bring to the job site. I also enjoy the troubleshooting I do.

Working on a refurbishment of a nuclear reactor is pretty cool!  I get to see the inner workings of a critical infrastructure that most people will never see. The experience and learning I will take with me from this job are invaluable. It is an incredibly important project and critical to the success of the province for the economy and the residents.

Being a welder is a rewarding career. It pays well so you can support yourself and your family. You can pick where you want to work, and the kinds of jobs you want to work on.  I have had job contracts that range from 8 hours to 3 years.  Every day in the field can be different. If you want to focus on a certain type of welding that you enjoy – you can do that.  Not very many jobs have that kind of flexibility and options.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Welders, and boilermakers in particular, touch almost everything you see and use. The gas we use in our vehicles is produced in chemical plants that contain metal tanks and pipes that were put together by welders and boilermakers. Even the materials that are used to make things like juice boxes come from chemical plants. The electricity that is made in nuclear energy plants is available because of the work that welders and boilermakers have done behind the scenes. This keeps the electricity on for businesses and communities to thrive.

Outside of work I

I really enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.  I have 3 dogs. I enjoy fishing, riding ATVs, and I have a lot of fun going to Bingo!  I have a full shop in my garage where I like to build metal things such as barn doors, house décor; anything really.

I taught a Women of Steel class (10 women) for a 5-week course. It was an incredible experience working with mature students. Most had left the workforce for different reasons and are trying to find a way back into a new career that will give them a solid future.

My advice to others

Ask lots of questions and take every opportunity to learn/try something new. The internet and YouTube can be a great source to search out new techniques and discover various opportunities.

When you are on a jobsite or learning, seek advice and wisdom from the older people on site. They have an incredible amount of knowledge and have real life experience that you can only get while being on-the-job. Also, they love sharing that knowledge and encouraging the training a new generation.