Marc Rouselle

Marc, what were you up to before coming here?

Before I came to Ready Arc, I was making drawings for a shop in Caraquet. I took a mechanical engineering technology course, and I’ve worked as a project manager and drafter before, but I just found that I didn’t like the “office” kind of job. So, I went with the boilermakers last year and worked 3 or 4 shutdowns. I really liked it, but to join them you do have to complete either a fabrication course or a welding course. I decided that I didn’t want to go back to the same school as before and lose an entire year. Here, I was able to work most of the year, and just spent my spring and summer at Ready Arc.

Why welding?

Well, my dad is a welder. He’s been a welder for 25 years. My grandfather was a welder too. Actually most of my family members are either welders or woodworkers or construction workers. It’s in my blood.

What made you choose Ready Arc?

I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go at first, and it did seem a bit pricey, but I spoke with my cousin, who’s a supervisor for a local company, and I also talked with my Dad who tested here when he was at the refinery. After thinking about it, I knew I could work half the year and make my money back instead of spending a whole year in school elsewhere. Finally, I wasn’t sure if I chose another school that I would graduate with the F3/F4 pipe ticket, which was definitely a factor for me. I actually live near Bathurst, so I rented a room just so I could go to Ready Arc.

So, how were your six months with us?

At first, it was a bit challenging for me because I’m French and not 100% fluent when speaking English. I understand it really well though, so it was hard at first but I got used to it after a couple of weeks. Aside from the initial language barrier, it was pretty nice. I really liked how the instructors pushed us to do better, and how everybody in our class worked together so well.

You made it to graduation day. What’s next?

I actually applied with the boilermakers last fall, so everything was pretty lined up already. I just have to finish this course to get back to work. I’m supposed to be in the next class for apprenticeship, so from here to there, I’m just going to work around Bathurst and get some experience until the time comes.