Ashley Montour
After having two children, Ashley knew that she wanted to provide for them, and be a good role model as they grew up. “It’s rewarding having my kids see me as a role model for them,” said Ashley. “I have two sets of eyes on me at all times so what I do is what they’ll do.”
When she saw the “We Are Welders” program being advertised at Six Nations Polytechnic in Brantford, she decided to give it a try. Little did she know, she was about to embark on a career that she not only loved, but found extremely rewarding as well.
One of the things Ashley loves most about being a Welder are the op - portunities to learn and grow. “My favourite part of my job is probably working with other people, gaining new knowledge, [and] anything that has to do with learning.”
“I think that First Nations youth should pursue a technical career or trade because it’s more hands on,” said Ashley. “It’s rewarding. If you start right out of high school then you’ll never know where you’ll end up by the time you’re 40 or 50.”
And while Ashley is employed full-time now, it was not an easy road to get there. She initially failed the Certified Welding Bureau test three times, but finally on the fourth test, she passed with flying colours.
“Never ever give up,” is something Ashley tells herself and her children frequently.
Ashley’s message to other First Nation youth is to “Find something you’re passionate about. You have to have the love for it in order to love it. So, find something you’re very passionate about. After that it’s smooth sailing.”
Trades
WELDING is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. Welding has been called the best kept secret in career planning. The fact is welding is a critical skill that will always be in demand. From the beginning of civilization, we have relied on the skills of welders to enrich our lives.
WELDING SKILLS/INTERESTS:
- Problem Solving
- Endurance
- Interpersonal
- Hand and Eye Coordination
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work in extremely hot or cold conditions
- Listening
- Logic
WELDING APPROXIMATE EARNINGS:
- Welding Apprentice = $25,000-$37,000
- Welder (I, II, III) = $26,000-$61,000
- Welding Inspector = $57,000-$84,000
- Senior Welding Engineer = $80,000-$107,000
HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL COURSES: Math, Science, Geometry, Physics, English
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Welder, Welding Engineer, Welding Technician, Structural Iron Worker, Sheet Metal Worker, Underwater Welder, Welding Educator, Welding Inspector, Pipefitter, Boilermaker, Machine Operators, Business Owner, Robotics Technician, Metallurgist, Researcher.
