The CWB Association had the privilege to attend the Skills Canada New Brunswick Provincial Competition in Saint John, NB. Join us as we bring you special episodes recorded in person to advocate for careers in skilled trades and technology across the country.

What does it take for a woman to thrive as a welding inspector at one of North America's largest oil refineries? Bella Hicks brings us behind the scenes of her remarkable journey from making a strategic decision to pursue the specialized Welding Engineering Technology program at NBCC Moncton. Unlike standard welding programs, this intensive two-year curriculum delves into the metallurgical science behind the craft. "I wanted to know the why," Bella explains, highlighting how understanding the underlying principles makes troubleshooting welds infinitely more effective than simply "turning knobs." Being young and female in a predominantly male industry brings unique challenges, but Bella's approach is refreshingly straightforward. Rather than dwelling on barriers, she focuses on building trust through competence and communication. Her story isn't just about breaking stereotypes—it's about crafting a fulfilling life through skilled trades.

Ready to see where your welding journey might lead? Subscribe now to hear more inspiring stories from across the industry.

Follow Bella:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-hicks-23b2a620a/

Thank you to our Podcast Advertisers:
Canada Welding Supply: https://canadaweldingsupply.ca/
Canaweld: https://canaweld.com/
Josef Gases: https://josefgases.com/

There is no better time to be a member! The CWB Association membership is new, improved and focused on you. We offer a FREE membership with a full suite of benefits to build your career, stay informed, and support the Canadian welding industry.  https://www.cwbgroup.org/association/become-a-member 

What did you think about this episode? Send a text message to the show!