“I didn’t choose my career; my career chose me.”

Ever since she was a kid, Christine has always had the desire to pursue a career that would allow her to teach and help others. While studying to become a teacher, she took on a part-time job as a general laborer at a local dry dock. What started 18 years ago as a temporary role to cover tuition, turned into a passionate career.

From to get-go, Christine had an all-hands-on-deck approach. To help the welding team, she started to learn how to fit and grind, then slowly picked up the rod and started burning. From then on, her interest in welding kept growing. Over the years she held multiple positions, working her way from apprentice to project manager. “I’m fortunate enough to have the role of project manager so I can merge my skills and my passion for teaching and welding.”

It takes a different kind of person to complete these tough jobs. “We’re outside, surrounded by water. We face rain and cold weather which can affect your welds.” Having safe and reliable tools is key. “It’s very important to have tools that can last. If you’re constantly replenishing, you’re constantly changing, which takes time. Time is money.”

Being a woman in this line of work is not always easy, but Christine says that she is very proud to contribute to alleviating the bias that exists in this field. To do so, she pushes to maintain gender parity among her team.

Now, 18 years later, Christine is still as passionate about her work as ever. “It’s awesome having a boat as an office! The projects are always different. I’ll never abandon ship.”