Certainly, after more than 30 years as a boilermaker, and constantly travelling to work sites throughout the Atlantic provinces, Jean-Paul has met an awful lot of people. During those three decades, he’s gone from the person asking for advice to the one being asked to provide it. That, he says, is what’s so great about the industry, “being able to pass on the trade as you work.”
Jean-Paul, his co-workers would agree, is also great for the industry. Since joining Moncton Foundries immediately after getting his welder’s ticket in the early 1970s, he’s been bringing his strong work ethic and upbeat approach to the job site on a daily basis.
“I’ve been welding since 1966 and I’ve been a boilermaker since 1971,” says Jean-Paul. “If I told you now that I was bored at any time, I’d be lying. The truth is, I’ve enjoyed every day of my career.”
Two decisions played a key part in Jean-Paul’s obviously successful career choice. One, he chose not to pursue a supervisory role, saying simply he would rather be told what to do than have to tell others what to do. Two, he’s always tried to work on storage tanks, rather than boilers, so he could stay outdoors. He especially enjoys working in the winter, explaining that the safety equipment welders wear can get “pretty hot in July.”
There is one thing Jean-Paul says he won’t miss—the travel. “It’s great when you’re young, he explains, “but when you have a wife and young children, it can be difficult to be away all week.”
Yet, when asked what he’s planning to do during his retirement,
Jean-Paul replies: “Spend some time at home, work in my woodlot
and do a bit of travelling —only this time, it will be with
my wife.”