WOMEN IN THE TRADES #1

Lopes Limited’s Emma Tugwood on Welding, Growth, and Overcoming Doubts

“I got into the trades sort of on a whim.”

That’s how Emma Tugwood describes the beginning of her welding career. Two years at Lopes Limited, a decade in the trades, and countless projects later, it’s become far more intentional than that. In this interview, Emma shares what a day in the shop actually looks like, the unexpected challenges of being a women in the trades, and why she’s committed to mentoring the next generation.

Whether you’re exploring a career in the trades or curious about what happens inside a fabrication shop, Emma’s story offers a straightforward look at the work - and the people who do it.

hOW EMMA FOUND WELDING

I got into the trades sort of on a whim. I had the opportunity to try my hand at welding and it piqued my interest. After that I had been hearing about there being a shortage in the trade, and that was when I had to decide what I was going to attend college for. So I landed on the Welding and Fabrication technician program, where I completed and obtained my diploma, before getting a job in the industry.

a day in the shop

A typical day at work for me looks like getting to the shop, grabbing my gear and preparing for the job ahead of me that day. Whatever the job may be it requires reading the blueprint, identifying the weld requirements, and coming up with a plan for the best way to execute what is needing to be done. Then it’s just a matter of putting my helmet down and focusing on the work.

what makes her proud

Something I take pride in when it comes to my job is the standard I hold myself to. I take every opportunity given to do the job to the best of my ability, or learn the skills needed to get there. I am also proud to say that I am surrounded by people in the shop that are always willing to help and support each other at every step of the way.

the realtiy of being a women in the trades

What surprised me the most about working in a trade or industrial environment would probably have to be the hurdles that comes with being a woman in the trades. I have been welding for ten years now and I have met some incredibly supportive people along the way. But I have also met my fair share of people who doubted my ability. But both have been great motivators in my wanting to succeed at my job even more.

advice for young women considering the trades

If a young woman was considering a career in the trades but wasn’t sure if it was for her, I would tell her not to doubt herself for a second. That women are an asset to have in the trades, and that I have met and learned so much from the women I have come across in the trades. So if it’s something that you have the desire to do, and you put your mind to it, you will make yourself so proud taking that step. It may not always be easy, in fact some days will be extremely challenging, but it is all the more rewarding at the end of the day.

growth and opportunity

Something you might not expect about my job or this industry is how much room for growth there is. If you are a motivated individual, there are always ways to grow and expand in areas you may never thought possible.

moments that stick

A moment (or moments) throughout my time in the trade that have stuck with me has to be getting to work with new hires and people who are generally new to the trade. Being able to pass down knowledge about the trade and how to get the job done properly and safely, and having people who are willing to learn has been very rewarding. Also attending events like Jill of all Trades at Cambrian College, and being able to talk to young women who are interested in the trades has been amazing to be apart of, and I feel so important to do so.

life outside the shop

Outside of work, I am a wife to an incredible husband, and a mom of four amazing children. We spend a lot of our time outdoors, specifically love our time spent camping and just do our best to focus on quality time together and with friends.

interested in a career in the trades?

If Emma’s story resonates with you, Lopes Limited is always looking for talented people to join our team. Learn more about careers at Lopes Limited and our available job postings.