Ask how she measures up in the business and Kathryn Anderson doesn’t mince her words. “I’m good at what I do, and I’m proud of what I do,” says the 36-year-old journeyperson from Port Moody. As for being at the top of her trade, Kathryn acknowledges that she’s probably not as good as the best boilermakers just yet. Then, she adds, “but I’m young and eager enough that I could be when I’m as experienced as they are.”

Don’t think Kathryn won’t get there—she enjoys being a boilermaker so much that she says she can’t imagine not always being a part of the industry. And why wouldn’t you want to be a boilermaker, she asks, when you can work when you want, see new places, experience new challenges and see the results of what you do every day.

“I’m just not a 9-5 person,” says Kathryn, explaining simply that she has no commitment to Monday mornings. “Sure, I like to spend time in my vegetable garden and walking my dogs. But I’m just as happy when I’m on an interesting job in someplace I’ve never been. I mean, it’s possible for a good boilermaker today to work as far away as Australia.”

If those advantages weren’t enough to justify Kathryn’s decision to become a boilermaker 12 years ago, there’s always the friendship and support of her co-workers. She says she can’t imagine receiving the genuine support she does now in any other profession.

“I remember getting a job in Edmonton and not being able to find a place to stay. Sure enough, when another boilermaker from B.C. heard that I was looking, he offered me the basement suite in the house that he and his son were staying at. That’s something you don’t see every day.”

As for the future, Kathryn says she’s open to becoming a welding instructor or working with the union. For the moment though, she’s happy to continue to ply her trade on different jobs and locations. “It’s the Gypsy in me,” she says. “I’m just not ready to give up what I’m doing—and enjoying—right now”.