Q: Can you tell me about what you do here at Thermogenics
Taitiana: I am a general labourer and do several things, mainly helping prep the boilers to be able to go to the paint booth, prep them to ship, anti-freeze them, and sand them down. I ask people in the shop what they need and help wherever it’s required.
Kyla: I work as a pipe fitter and helping out in other areas in the shop as well. I heard about the company through my Grandpa.
Q: How did you start your career in the trades?
Tatiana: I’ve known since I was 15 years old I wanted to be in a trade. Most of my family was in trades, all very tough guys with motorcycles; and I wanted to be just like them. I started off by doing general labour and painting, and then went into industrial construction. They weren’t open or willing to teach me anything, and I experienced extreme sexism from colleagues. I knew I had to get out of there and find something different. After working a couple other jobs, a friend of mine told me Thermogenics is a great place to work and I’m so happy I came here.
Kyla: I was exposed to the trades by my grandpa, who also told me about Thermogenic. I went to Georgian College for the Gas Technician program prior to starting here. I was the only female there, with the exception of one female teacher who was a mentor to me. She had a lot of experience in the industry. I remember her telling me once, it’s okay to continue to do girly things like getting your nails done.

Q: Can you share some challenges you’ve faced?
Tatiana: Constantly being underestimated. I love the feeling when I can do something that people don’t expect, like lifting really heavy things. We’re not delicate little flowers and we can do the same things that men can do. When the guys see how much I can carry, there jaws drop!
Kyla: It was challenging being the only female in school – I was treated very differently by my classmates and felt very isolated. I just went through the program independently. I was lucky to have a female instructor who mentored me throughout the program.
Q: What advice do you have for women entering the trades?
Tatiana: Never hide, always keep your head up. Be proud, be strong. Stick to an extremely good work ethic and try to learn as much as you possibly can. Always ask questions; it’s better to ask and get it right than to assume and make mistakes. I would also tell women that you need to be physically fit for this type of work. Lifting takes a toll on your body and so does wearing boots on cement every day. The first year is the toughest.
Kyla: Just go for it. There is so much to learn. The trades can lead you down so many different paths. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s how you learn and grow. Also, accept help when its offered. As women, we feel like we have to push through more things to prove ourselves. I remember being injured once, and I pushed myself too hard. I learned my lesson the hard way.

Q: How has working at Thermogenics impacted your career and aspirations?
Tatiana: I love working at Thermogenics! It was welcoming from the start. I remember my manager asking me on my first day, “What do you want to do, what are your goals, what do you want to achieve here?”. He encouraged me to ask lots of questions. He also introduced me to Kyla right away, the only other woman in the shop. That made a big difference for me; it’s nice to know you’re not alone. This is the best trades environment I’ve ever worked in and I want to work my way up in the company and become a welder one day.
Kyla: It’s a very friendly work environment and everyone wants to teach you, from welders to fabricators, and electricians. There is a lot of opportunity to learn and grow. The environment is very different from school in a good way; it’s more about teamwork and learning from each other. I definitely want to continue on in this industry.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, what stands out as a moment of pride?
Tatiana: I’m proud when I get a chance to show my knowledge. When I do something and I know it was all me, I take extreme pride in that. Being able to work independently and contribute meaningfully to a project is a big deal for me.
Kyla: My proudest moment was when my pipe fitting partner went on vacation, and I was left to handle things on my own. They assumed I could do it on my own, and I did. Knowing that they believed in me gave me confidence!
Kyla: Just go for it. There is so much to learn. The trades can lead you down so many different paths. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s how you learn and grow. Also, accept help when its offered. As women, we feel like we have to push through more things to prove ourselves. I remember being injured once, and I pushed myself too hard. I learned my lesson the hard way.

Q: How has working at Thermogenics impacted your career and aspirations?
Tatiana: I love working at Thermogenics! It was welcoming from the start. I remember my manager asking me on my first day, “What do you want to do, what are your goals, what do you want to achieve here?”. He encouraged me to ask lots of questions. He also introduced me to Kyla right away, the only other woman in the shop. That made a big difference for me; it’s nice to know you’re not alone. This is the best trades environment I’ve ever worked in and I want to work my way up in the company and become a welder one day.
Kyla: It’s a very friendly work environment and everyone wants to teach you, from welders to fabricators, and electricians. There is a lot of opportunity to learn and grow. The environment is very different from school in a good way; it’s more about teamwork and learning from each other. I definitely want to continue on in this industry.
Q: Reflecting on your journey, what stands out as a moment of pride?
Tatiana: I’m proud when I get a chance to show my knowledge. When I do something and I know it was all me, I take extreme pride in that. Being able to work independently and contribute meaningfully to a project is a big deal for me.
Kyla: My proudest moment was when my pipe fitting partner went on vacation, and I was left to handle things on my own. They assumed I could do it on my own, and I did. Knowing that they believed in me gave me confidence!