| “I have always been interested in the explosive and demolition side of construction,” says Wendy Boone who worked as a blaster apprentice for five years, and has become the first female blaster in New Brunswick. “Tearing things down and building them into something beautiful is very exciting to me.”
Boone grew up with 15 brothers and sisters in a small farming town in New Brunswick. She worked at Blair Construction Inc. for the past 10 years where she was introduced and trained in several construction aspects. “I had always wanted to have an all women crew, be it in blasting or construction.”
“My father was a very hard worker and taught me a lot about work ethic and respect for the industry you work in,” says Boone. “My husband has been my inspiration and partner in my goals.”
“Blasting has always been my passion and it is great to wake up and go to work in a job I absolutely love,” says Boone. |
When you were growing up, did you ever consider a career in the trades?
Growing up my goal was to become a victim service counselor for battered and abused men or a chef. A career in the trades was not out of range as I worked in farming all my life.
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a blaster? What or who inspired you?
I decided to become a blaster when I went out to help my friend set up a blast one day. Harvey Goddard was the man who inspired me to become a blaster. His years of experience and knowledge about explosives made the trade exciting to me. My husband Mac encouraged me whole heartedly to pursue it. I hope to one day pursue a career as an explosive expert for the RCMP. I am in the process of opening up my own blasting company.
What kind of education or training is needed to become a blaster?
There are several different aspects needed in your training and education to become a blaster. To quote – “be calm or be killed”, so experience and nerves of steel are important assets. There is testing and in-school training, but I'd say 30% of the trade you learn in school and the other 70% you learn from your mentor. ALWAYS listen to experienced people.
Were your family and friends supportive in your decision to become a blaster? What was their reaction like when you first told them?
My husband Mac was very supportive of me becoming a blaster. To be self-sufficient is always a good thing. My other family members laughed and said they did not expect anything less from me, as I do push the envelope most times.
What is a blaster?
A blaster is a trained professional in explosives who has the knowledge to know how much dynamite it takes to remove rocks, buildings, etc. A blaster also needs to know where debris is going to land and how it's going to fall. It is very scientific, dangerous and exciting.
What is a typical day at work like for you? What types of tasks/duties does a blaster do?
A typical day would be drilling holes and usually the next day setting the charge. Drilling is an important part of blasting. You have several safety factors to always be aware of, stray electricity for one. You set your dynamite, stem the holes, and set the charge. Before all things are completed, it may take you and several helpers all day carrying explosives and rocks before you set off the blast. A lot of scenarios can affect whether you blast or not. It cannot be rushed. Pressure to set off a blast due to time restraints never works.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about your job that you'd like to dispel?
One misconception would be that “anyone can do this”. This would be so far from wrong as you get.
Do you work with any other female blasters?
I have been told that I am the first female blaster in New Brunswick. I have never worked with another woman blaster.
What are some of the challenges in your job?
Challenges in my job would mostly be strength factors. Changing drill bits takes a fair amount of strength. Being a woman in a typically male industry is nerve racking but my fellow blasters have always treated me the same which is great. I have never run into discrimination of any sort, and I have always been welcomed on any site I have gone to.
What do you enjoy most about your job? What excites you about going to work every day?
I enjoy every aspect of my job. My job allows me to make my own money and have job security. There will always be a call for explosives in one way or another. I enjoy working in such a respected trade. My fellow blasters are all, without exception, class acts. They are very helpful and are the first to go out of their way to make sure everything runs smooth and safe for everyone.
What kinds of qualities or skills are needed to be a good blaster?
Qualities of being a good blaster: calm, knowledge and a lot of guts.
What would you say is a personal career achievement you are most proud of?
My personal career achievement that I am most proud of would be becoming the first woman blaster in New Brunswick of course. I have made history. It is overwhelming to think that my great, great grandchildren will know this.
What do you think the future job prospect of your particular trade area is?
Future job prospect in the blasting trade will always be there in the future. With ongoing technology, blasting I believe will become the desired and safer route to take in demolition, landscaping and land reconstruction.
What advice would you give to others who are interested in pursuing a career as a blaster?
Go for it.
What do you believe is the key to success?
Listening and taking what you have learned and using it. Listen to senior Blasters, they know what they are talking about. Don't be afraid to introduce new technology into your everyday blasting and drilling. Studies are being done every day on different scenarios. One of the most important keys to success would be to talk to your suppliers and take their advice. They know their products inside and out.
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