Alexia Farah, welder

Recruited by the Port of Montreal two years ago, Alexia joined the Infrastructure Management team as a welder. In this capacity, she works on everything from fine parts to infrastructure, including vessels, railroads, walkways, signs, staircases and ramps. 

Q: How did you get hooked on welding?

It all clicked when I was 22: I was on a trip to Cuba and talked to a welder who worked on submarines. He talked about his job for two hours... I came home and signed up for the course! At first, I knew nothing about welding. I learned everything, and I’m still grateful to the man who encouraged me to do it.

Q: What do you like about this occupation?

I like the hands-on aspect of the job. I’m someone who moves around a lot, and I knew sitting in an office wasn’t for me. I can work at the Grand Quay, on the railroads, on the vessels or in the workshop... I love the fact that every day is different. And I love making things from scratch! When my team leader tells me what I need, I do my research, draw the sketches, order the steel, cut it, weld it and paint it.

Does anything stand in the way of doing this job as a woman?

There are no obstacles. Many people think that you have to be strong to be a welder. But that’s not true, because we’ve got the tools; we’ve got cranes, forklifts and so on. I never need to lift 100-pound objects. In fact, no one is supposed to lift anything weighing 100 pounds. At the end of the day, it’s not a man’s job or a woman’s job, it’s a job and anyone can do it.

What are the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male workplace?

Starting out, the challenge is to find your place. You have to stay strong, never give up and never let yourself be pushed around. You have to have the confidence and patience to prove that you’re just as capable as they are. I don’t want someone to carry my bag of tools for me! Before I became a welder, I was a barmaid for several years. That was good training! Dealing with drunken customers develops patience! Now that I have the confidence and experience, I feel I could go and work in any company and fit in without a problem.

Do you see positive changes for women in this field?

There’s still a long way to go. I’ve already been in jobs where I realized that the trainee who had just arrived was paid more than I was, but things are slowly changing. When I took my course, I was the only woman. I went back to my school last year to give a presentation, and there were five women in the class. A lot of women don’t know much about these occupations and don’t think about choosing them as a career option. But they’re good jobs, often better paid than the traditionally female professions. I love my job and I have a great quality of life! I strongly encourage women to check it out.