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Occupation: Welding Inspector
Miramichi born and raised, Roxanne Regan currently works as a welding inspector with Sunny Corner.
Regan had initially attended NBCC and took a secretarial course. “I worked at Blue Cross in Moncton for two years and came back to the Miramichi to get married and raise a family,” says Regan who is married with two children.
Over the years Regan worked for a variety of employers including Beaubear Credit Union and the Royal Bank as a teller, and as administrative assistant with the Department of Transportation, CFB Chatham and Tourism NB.
Regan eventually went back to school to upgrade her skills where she completed her work term at Sunny Corner Enterprises Inc. (SCEI).
“I've been working as an inspector for three years but have been an employee of SCEI since 1992,” says Regan.
When you were growing up, did you ever consider a career in the trades?
I was actually always intrigued by carpentry as my father and my brother were carpenters but I never pursued it and never imagined myself in a trade.
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a welding inspector? What or who inspired you?
I was always interested in new challenges and got involved with the quality department (at SCEI). My supervisor had approached me and suggested that I challenge the Inspector exams as I knew the material involved. Along with his coaching and mentoring I successfully passed my Level I CWB Inspector course. I obtained my two year training and in the spring of 2010 I received my Level II CWB Inspector Certification. I have been fortunate to have had two supervisors that were influential in my career as they encouraged and challenged me to always do better.
Were your family and friends supportive in your decision to become a welding inspector? What was their reaction like when you first told them?
My family was very supportive and thought it was great that I pursued this career as I had always focused on my family and they felt it was time for me to do something I enjoyed.
What is a welding inspector?
A welding inspector starts in the bidding stage of a job in giving advice to the Estimator on the quality requirements. An Inspector walks through all stages of a job including inspecting the welds, ensuring qualified welders and welding procedures are in order, scheduling any additional requirements from subcontractors, to preparing a history package. Also involved is testing welders for qualifications to a specific welding procedure, and qualifying a welding procedure.
What is a typical day at work like for you? What types of tasks does a welding inspector do?
A typical day at work would be attending pre-job meetings, developing inspection and test plans, reviewing code of construction; inspecting welds, checking dimensionals on a fabricated piece, tracking material traceability, ensuring qualified welders are on the job and that all quality related requirements by the client have been met.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about your job that you'd like to dispel?
No.
Do you work with any other female welding inspectors?
No
Have you experienced any challenges (or barriers) working in a male dominated profession?
No, the men have been very good to work with and respectful.
What do you enjoy most about your job? What excites you about going to work every day?
What I enjoy most about my job is that you are always learning something new. Every job has different requirements, therefore, new challenges.
What kinds of qualities or skills are needed to be a good welding inspector?
A good welding inspector has to be attentive, pay attention to detail, pleasant, outgoing and able to communicate with people.
What would you say is a personal career achievement you are most proud of?
I would have to say that I am most proud of the fact that I changed careers at a later stage in my life where one is most unacceptable to change. I always enjoy learning and having new challenges.
What advice would you give to others who are interested in pursuing a career as a welding inspector?
Hard work, determination and commitment will make you successful. The main goal is to pursue a career that you will enjoy and be happy working in each day.
What do you believe is the key to success?
If you have a passion for any career you can succeed with perseverance and hard work.
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