Women as CWB Certification Services Representatives
Q&A WITH MARIE-JOSEE TOURIGNY, CSR, CWB CERTIFICATION, EASTERN REGION
By Maria Hypponen, Communications Specialist, CWB Welding Foundation
When Marie-Josee Tourigny watched a video of an explosion with oxy-acetylene cutting in her first welding health-and-safety course, she wondered what she was getting herself into. That was more than 25 years ago, and she has never regretted her choice of career.
Marie-Josee is a Certification Services Representative (CSR) with the CWB Group. As a CSR, she ensures that companies meet the requirements of applicable certification standards and provides support to customers to obtain and maintain their certification. She is responsible for certifying and maintaining welding certification programs for clients. This includes auditing of companies, procedure testing, and welder testing, visiting job sites, and liaising with building inspectors, engineers, and current and prospective clients.
“My days are varied,” said Marie-Josee. “I never do the same thing. I go to a different client every day. I do audits, welder qualifications, welding skills and, most importantly, provide technical support to my clients.”
Because this is a technical role, a CSR needs experience working in the welding and joining industry or as a welding educator, knowledge of welding and testing standards, welding procedure development and qualification, and understanding of welding theory and practical applications. CSRs must also have relevant soft skills, including communication, customer service, relationship building and decision-making, as well as strong personal accountability. Safety is a critical element to this role, so being able to understand and comply with health and safety requirements is paramount.
Marie-Josee got into welding because she wanted a profession that would allow her to earn a good living. Plus, as a girl growing up in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, she always enjoyed non-traditional activities. Welding appealed to her because, “there is metal in everything, from computers and iPhones to skates and ski poles,” and that meant countless opportunities. She started with getting her DEC (diplôme d’études collégiales, a college-level diploma in Quebec) in pure and applied sciences from Cégep de Trois-Rivières.
“When I finished, I heard about metallurgy technology. I saw all the possibilities that this would give me in the future and I decided to do another DEC in metallurgy. Since then, I have never run out of work and I have loved all my experiences.”
Women who enjoy the challenge of a non-traditional career and a job with excellent learning and earning potential might be interested in the CSR role.
Marie-Josee knows this career might not be for everybody, or for every woman. “Goodbye beautiful long nails!” she said. She also notes that, from time to time, she still has to deal with sexist comments, or having to do her best all the time to get ahead because she is a woman. She says that women have to make the effort to impose themselves, and to “use softness and firmness.” This has helped her build credibility and trust with her clients and in the industry.
“After I finished my DEC in metallurgy, I applied to companies that refused me because I was a woman. Today, those same clients say they regret not hiring me,” she said. “I love it when a client calls me for a technical opinion because it proves that they recognize my value and my technical knowledge.”
Marie-Josee wants to encourage other women to experience this same professional pride. “If you enjoy moving, being aware of the latest technologies, having a different job every day and not necessarily doing office work, this job can be for you,” she said.
“This job is not for everyone, but it is still a beautiful job.”
With over 70 years of experience and a solid history of providing guidance, knowledge and oversight with respect to welding in Canada, the CWB Group is recognized as a worldwide leader in the welding and joining community. Servicing countries across the globe, the CWB Group strives to deliver products and services that put the health of the industry, the thousands who work in it, and the people it touches, front and centre.
For information about CSR and other employment opportunities with the CWB Group, visit https://www.cwbgroup.org/about/careers.
Interested in learning more about career paths for women in welding? Connect with the #WomenOfSteel network on social media, or visit www.cwbweldingfoundation.org.