Laurie Breton is optimistic about her career as an aircraft mechanic.

At 21 years old, this young woman is just about to finish her training at the École nationale d'aérotechnique (ÉNA), a school affiliated with Cégep Édouard-Montpetit and the most important aviation technology institute in North America. Last year, she won the gold medal in Aerospace Technology at the Skills Canada National Competition in Halifax. That same year, she distinguished herself at the Hats Off to You! contest hosted by the ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur and won a $2,000 prize, given out at the National Assembly of Québec. She also received the Showcase your Region! award from the ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation, highlighting how her training and future career will contribute to the flourishment of her region, the Laurentians. Currently, Laurie is getting ready for her second participation at the Skills Canada National Competition. Her goal? A ticket to the WorldSkills International Competition, and nothing less. To see her be so successful in any project she undertakes, it seems like nothing can stand in her way.

A Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry

According to Aéro Montréal, the percentage of female doctors, lawyers, and businesswomen has increased significantly over the last few decades, while the percentage of women working jobs in the aerospace industry, positions traditionally occupied by men, is stagnant. Less than 2% of aircraft maintenance mechanics are women. Women comprise less than 6% of commercial pilots and less than 10% of aerospace engineers. In the ÉNA's A-75 hangar, where this interview is taking place on a beautiful sunny morning in February, a dozen apprentice mechanics get to work, supervised by a few teachers. There is only one bathroom; the toilet seat is up and has not been flushed. This is not a problem for Laurie. "There is no denying that the aviation industry is a man's world," she says with a smile. "Not everything was built with women in mind here. As a woman in a non-traditional trade, I think you cannot nitpick or play the victim."

"If we want more women in certain industries, all we have to do is promote it. Appeal to young women who are looking for adventure. Young women should not hesitate!"

A Career in Aviation - A Passion for Aviation

To say that Laurie Breton is passionate about aviation is an understatement. For her, it is an industry that is vast and thrilling, where everyone can channel their strengths. When it comes to aircraft maintenance, she appreciates the high level of precision needed. "I am a perfectionist. I like working with my hands and being able to judge from a concrete result that is well done. The ÉNA has shaped us into good workers. There is so much to learn in aviation, and I love learning."

Her father, another aviation enthusiast, also studied at the ÉNA. Laurie was an Air Cadet from the ages of 12 to 17 and obtained her pilot's license. After high school, she remembers hesitating for a brief moment before realizing her childhood dreams could become her reality as an adult.

During her time at CEGEP and at different jobs and internships completed in recent years, Laurie is very glad that she has always been welcomed and has never been a victim of discrimination. "But I know it exists," she says. "Luckily, times are changing." In her opinion, structures for integrating women into traditionally male-dominated professions are well established in 2020.

Julie Payette, astronaut and first Canadian woman to go into space, and more recently, Sarah Dallaire, second female pilot of the Canadian Snowbirds, have been great sources of inspiration. "I need these women role models who say 'It's okay! You can do it!' because, despite my determination, I sometimes go through difficult moments.”

Be Daring

Many girls who have started studies in a traditionally male-dominated trade have asked her about her experience. According to Laurie, the most common fear is not being able to integrate into the industry. "I try and reassure them that I think inclusion happens naturally, like when you join a group a friends. There is no gap. Not to be mean, but I think those who were the most prejudiced have already retired. Most companies are progressive. You just have to trust yourself and stop listening to that negative voice that wants you to believe you can't do the job because you are a woman. That is never true. Women bring a different kind of energy. I have tackled tasks I don't think I could have accomplished as a man. I have used it to my advantage." Is Laurie a feminist? The question seems to bother her. "I think we're all feminists," she ventures after thinking for a moment. "No need to claim it to be proud to be a woman." She is very optimistic about the future.

"What are the skills needed to dive into a non-traditional career? You must be resourceful. Trust yourself. Don't hesitate to take the road less traveled to accomplish your tasks. Oftentimes, the winding road turns out to be very creative."

Skills Competition Take Two

At the 2019 Skills Competition in Halifax, Laurie was vying for first place against eight other apprentice mechanics from all over the country. Five test projects were spread over two days and designed to determine the best competitor. She had to perform electrical repairs, inspect aircraft, and bend metals among the required tasks. She remembers facing many obstacles, including freezing temperatures. It is an adventure that had her feeling a whole range of emotions. "One minute you're proud, then the next you're discouraged and doubting yourself. I was surprised that I had so much trouble managing my stress. And the whole time, the clock is ticking." When it comes to her current training process, Laurie is focusing on the techniques she has trouble mastering. "As this will help me both in my career and during the Skills Competition, I am twice as motivated. My goal is to surpass myself. Do better than last year. Focus on the task at hand, not the other competitors. I think that helps me perform better. I'm ready!"

Move Heaven and Earth

With only a few months to go before entering the job market, Laurie Breton is dreaming big. She wants to make a career in helicopter maintenance, learn to pilot helicopters, and eventually start her own business. "I have a lot of ideas and a lot of enthusiasm. I think the best is yet to come for me. Who knows where all this will take me in ten years?"