As the deep foundations industry continues to evolve, so too do the career journeys of the people helping drive it forward.
In a series of interviews with Piling Canada, a diverse group of women at Soletanche Bachy Canada, one of the country’s leading deep foundation solution providers, shared their stories about what drew them to the industry and their compelling reasons for staying in it.
Soletanche Bachy Canada is part of a vast global network of deep foundation and geotechnical offices belonging to Soletanche Bachy, a French multinational operating in 50 countries. From administration and project management to field operations, health and safety, fabrication and mechanics, the women of Soletanche Bachy Canada represent a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and career paths.
The interviews revealed all are flourishing in their roles as they continue to make strides in their professional journeys, underscoring their important contribution to complex foundation projects – as well as to the enduring success of the construction powerhouse that employs them.
JULIA LOCKYER
Julia Lockyer works as a welder/fabricator for Berminghammer Foundation Equipment, a division of Soletanche Bachy Canada with a strong reputation in equipment manufacturing for the piling industry. Lockyer says it’s not the type of work she ever imagined herself doing, but now that she is, she’s tremendously thankful.
“I never in a million years thought I would be a welder/fabricator,” Lockyer said. “I didn’t choose this career; it chose me. It has given me conviction, strength, a hunger for learning and a purpose I never had before. All my life I was thinking that I was going to follow in the footsteps of the majority of the women in my family and be a nurse. While I was enrolled in a nursing program, I decided it wasn’t right for me, and I struggled for many years trying to find my home in a rewarding career.”
In 2010, when she turned 32, Lockyer finally found her calling when she started working for a custom trailer manufacturing shop in Brantford, Ont. She was initially hired as a shop hand and quickly rose to cutting and forming parts and eventually to welding and fitting duties. In 2015, she landed a spot in a Women in Trades pre-apprenticeship program at the Technical Trades Academy in Brantford and later completed an apprenticeship in metal fabrication at Conestoga College in Kitchener at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Lockyer says her big break came in 2023 when she got a call from Berminghammer. “When they contacted me, I said, ‘Look, my fitting experience is mostly with jigs and fixtures, but I can weld up a storm and I like hard work, so give me a shot and I’ll show you what I’ve got,’” she explained.
Lockyer says working at the firm’s manufacturing plant in Hamilton, Ont., has been a remarkable experience that has enabled her to ramp up her skills. “They have a great culture at Berminghammer and SBC and are a supportive group. I’ve had some really great mentors, and I have learned so much,” Lockyer said, adding she is now in a position where she is mentoring apprentices herself. “I’m still learning something new every day. Even though I’m at a level where I feel I’ve learned a lot, I’m still going to continue to learn, just like I think the construction industry is going to continue to grow and soar,” she said.
Lockyer notes her work isn’t easy and is physically demanding, but she gets a great deal of satisfaction from a job well done. “Every day, I leave work tired, exhausted, filthy, but I feel so accomplished and proud knowing I slayed today’s dragons to the best of my ability,” she said. Lockyer’s advice for young women taking up her trade is to never be afraid to speak up and ask questions. “Absorb as much as you can, for as long as you can, from anyone willing to show you, and never give up. Learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom – it is continuous,” she said.
Lockyer recalls there were few women in her line of work at first. But as more women have joined the ranks, a sense of solidarity and sisterhood has emerged that’s made it easier for women to flourish in non-traditional roles like hers. “There have been so many wonderful women who I’ve come across,” said Lockyer. “We share our experiences, and we encourage and uplift each other. When I was coming up, there wasn’t so much of that.”
Lockyer says life has taught her just how important it is for women to stand up for themselves. “In the past, I’ve been told not to draw attention to yourself, that if you wanted to be taken seriously, you have to look a certain way, talk a certain way and not have an opinion – and for the longest time I conformed,” Lockyer added. “I still hear that advice from some, but I now don’t care. I choose how bright, loud or outspoken I want to be.”
CHANTEL RICHARD
A civil engineer with 14 years of construction management and consulting experience, Chantel Richard joined Soletanche Bachy Canada in 2022. Richard works out of the company’s Calgary office as a project manager, a role she says includes production and safety tracking and overseeing day-to-day work on projects. She also performs some estimating for new project bids.
Richard says something she enjoys most about her job is the challenges that are part and parcel of deep foundation and piling projects. “Each project has its own technique, its own set of site conditions, and we’re dealing with multiple clients in different industries,” she said. “I also like that the piling industry seems to be a tight-knit community, and there are lots of learning opportunities. I feel the industry is always growing with new techniques, so it is interesting staying on top of that.”
Richard’s learning journey includes achieving her Project Management Professional certification four years ago, which she considers one of her proudest accomplishments. “I think it taught me a lot of leadership-type skills and opened my mindset to think about projects and problems and working with people in a different way,” said Richard. “For me, one of the most enjoyable things about project management is learning how to troubleshoot or deal with problems and changes on the fly. You really have to be focused, pay attention and be able to make quick decisions.”
Richard says during her time in the construction business, she’s seeing more interest among younger women in joining her line of work. “The percentage of women I come into contact with, not just in piling but in the construction industry in general, seems to be growing,” she said. “I think more women are breaking away from societal norms and are realizing we can try different things. If you know you have a particular skill set, then why not take a chance and break some barriers?”
Richard says she’s excited to see women getting more opportunities – including a larger share of senior roles – in construction. “You’re not standing out in the crowd as much anymore, and it’s more acceptable to be part of the conversation, part of the group,” she said.
Richard acknowledges that breaking down barriers can be difficult, especially in a male-dominated industry like construction. “You do run into confrontational situations, and when you’re the only woman sitting in a group with many men, it can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the industry and you’re still learning,” she said. “With the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, I would say I’ve developed a lot of confidence in myself, and that doesn’t bother me anymore. I have earned my seat at the table. If I don’t have the answer right away, I know it’s not the end of the world.”
Richard says that in her experience, “there’s a feeling of having to prove yourself a little bit more as a woman.” She maintains that it is important to know your value, take initiative and learn as much as you can. Richard also advises young women entering the construction field to stay confident. “You’re there for a reason. This can be a challenging industry, not only for women but for a variety of people, so it’s important to stay strong and stand up for yourself.”
LYNN MACQUEEN
Lynn MacQueen has been a steady presence with Soletanche Bachy Canada for more than 25 years. In her important role as an executive assistant, MacQueen supports the company’s leadership team and keeps members connected, organized and supported, whether they’re in the office, travelling or on a project site.
“I am often a central point of organization for the company. I manage calendars, prepare documents, and coordinate meetings. My intent is to bring structure to busy days and make sure everyone on the team has what they need to stay focused,” she said. “My days consist of a mix of co-ordination, communication, travel planning, event organizing, office management – all aimed at keeping the company moving productively.”
MacQueen says no two days ever look the same – one reason why she enjoys her work so much. She adds that people unfamiliar with her job at Soletanche Bachy Canada would likely be amazed by how fast things can shift in a day. “Priorities change, and you must stay flexible while ensuring things are organized. It is not just administrative work; it is trying to anticipate what is needed and making sure the right people have what they need,” MacQueen said.
“I enjoy being an executive assistant to ensure things run smoothly behind the scenes, but I also enjoy the relationship side of the role. Working closely with executives and fellow team members provides me a clear view of how my work supports the overall goals,” she added. “I can be the person people rely on, staying organized under pressure and helping the whole team succeed. I realized I have moved to not just supporting others but making a meaningful impact.”
MacQueen, who developed an interest in heavy construction prior to joining Soletanche Bachy Canada, says she has seen positive change for women during her many years working in the industry.
“There has been a clear increase in the visibility and involvement of women, not just in office roles but in the field and in leadership positions as well. Women have moved into roles that used to be male-dominated, and teams have become open and supportive,” she said. MacQueen says she believes there are now many opportunities for women to build strong, meaningful careers. She maintains that confidence is key for any young women looking to establish themselves in the construction, deep foundations and engineering fields.
MacQueen’s advice: “Surround yourself with people who support your growth, ask questions, be engaged. “When I first started, I felt like it wasn’t really my place to jump into conversations or ask for clarity. I worried it would be seen as overstepping or not knowing enough. Now, I see it differently – asking questions assists me to help understand the work or situations that don’t typically involve me, and, in turn, I feel more engaged.”
MacQueen’s view is that people in construction nowadays are generally less averse to change than they used to be, which she sees as a positive step. “People are more willing to be open to change. Just because it has always been done a certain way does not mean there is no room for improvement, and there is a greater willingness to accept new ideas,” she said.
BRIGIT FLORIANO
It’s clear that Brigit Floriano loves her job. She enjoys the people, likes the travel and best of all, she gets to tinker with the machines so essential to deep foundations and heavy construction work. “I think it’s really cool. I’m kind of a nerd about it,” said Floriano, who works as a heavy equipment mechanic for Soletanche Bachy Canada.
Floriano is based at the company’s head office in Hamilton, Ont., but she’s on the road a lot, going wherever her services are needed. “Some days, I’m in the shop just getting equipment ready to go, or if there are breakdowns at a jobsite, then I need to go to where it’s happening at a moment’s notice,” she said. “I know it’s important to get projects back up and running as quickly as possible.”
Floriano says she doesn’t mind the frequent road trips because they add variety to her work and give her the opportunity to tackle a wide range of technical challenges. The excursions allow her to put her troubleshooting skills to use in different environments, something she particularly enjoys. “If I’m sent to a jobsite for an extended period of time just to make sure everything is running smoothly, I could be working on the generator, I could be working on a welding machine – it’s just so many different things,” Floriano said. “I really like the fact that I have to be good at everything in a way.”
One of Floriano’s biggest jobs to date was when she was called on to fix a 210-ton crawler crane at a pile driving site in Hamilton. The swing bearing on the massive machine needed to be replaced, which required the entire top section of the crane to be removed and set on the ground, and then put back in place once the repair was complete.
Floriano says when she was thinking about entering the heavy construction field initially, she was told the job could be difficult for women because of the rough and tough culture generally associated with construction work. “I thought, okay, I guess I’m going to have to be really aggressive and make sure not to let anybody push me around, which isn’t really who I am,” said Floriano. “You do have to find that backbone, but it’s fine once you prove yourself and people see you don’t come with too much of an ego, you’re always open to listening, and it’s clear you just want to do the best work you can.”
Floriano says she has seen an uptick in women working in construction since she chose it as a career. “There definitely has been a bit of a change since I started,” she said. “I feel like a lot of people now feel, ‘Why can’t a woman do this?’”
Floriano intends to have a long career in construction, and she says she’s encouraged by how shifting mindsets around health and safety on jobsites are enabling construction workers to work longer. “That’s something I’m really about happy about. I’ve worked with guys who were willing to bust their backs to get the job done, but that kind of attitude is definitely changing,” she said. “I don’t want to be 45 and in a wheelchair, just because I felt I had to do whatever it took to get the job done.”
KORAL HANER
Koral Haner spends a great deal of time on construction sites, and that’s just the way she likes it. “I spend most of my time on site – that’s my bread and butter, the thing I like doing the most. I try to get out as much as possible and interact with workers to make sure they have a successful project from a safety standpoint,” said Haner, who is an HSE (Health Safety Environmental) coordinator lead for Soletanche Bachy Canada.
“I want everyone to leave work the same way that they come in every day. I hope at some point I can be the reason for that, and I also hope to change people’s perspectives on safety as a whole,” she said.
Haner describes herself as a people person and very extroverted, which she considers useful traits for a health and safety professional like herself. “I love building relationships with people. For me, it is the easiest way to learn the work and it’s also the easiest way to learn what people are struggling with. The more people see me, the more willing they are to bring up any concerns they have or suggest things they think could be better,” said Haner. “I can be a voice to bring their concerns back to the office. I’m a big believer that being out there and being a presence means people will be more trusting of me when they need me.”
Haner joined Soletanche Bachy Canada in 2023, and has been in the construction industry for nearly eight years. After working in a few different sectors, Haner says she discovered a strong interest in deep foundations while contributing to a Soletanche Bachy Canada construction project in Nairn, a small community near Sudbury, Ont.
Haner, who grew up and lived in Sudbury before moving south to the Greater Toronto Area, says her father, Kevin, played a big role in her career choice. “My dad worked in construction for almost 30 years. Being able to have somebody like him be a support system for me that way has definitely made it easier for me as my journey in construction continues,” she said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of some really cool projects. I have worked with multiple people in the company, and I’ve learned from each of them. I believe there is still tons of room for me to grow.”
Haner says she loves being a representative for women in construction and she hopes she can inspire others to join the industry. She acknowledges that for female workers in construction, “Unfortunately, we’re still at the point where you need to have a thick skin.” Her advice for young women entering the field is: “Be true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and be confident in what you have to say.”
Haner says while some progress has been made in breaking down barriers for women in construction, there is still plenty of room for improvement. She is encouraged by some recent developments, such as new regulations in Ontario in 2023 that require construction employers to provide safe, clean and private washroom facilities for female workers.
“I can honestly say that in the eight years that I’ve been in construction, there have been times where I have not used the washroom for an entire day at a site because there were no women’s facilities, and the other ones were just absolutely disgusting. It’s a simple change, but it’s a big one,” she said.
For Haner, another progressive step has been improvements in personal protective equipment (PPE) gear, so they’re a better fit for female construction workers. “That has been a big shift, a greater understanding that women have different needs. We’re not just generally smaller than men, but our bodies are built differently, too. They’re now making PPE clothing that isn’t just for men but really tailored for women, which I think is a very positive change,” she said.
AFSANEH MALGARD
Afsaneh Malgard is excited to have a new role at Soletanche Bachy Canada, following her promotion from construction project co-ordinator to assistant project manager in early June.
It’s another move forward in Malgard’s construction career. Her first steps in that path came when she was a girl growing up in Iran. Malgard’s father, Naser, worked in construction and was very good at it, she recalls, and sometimes she would accompany her dad to the job, making friends with people working there.
That sparked her interest and Malgard went on to work in construction herself after attaining a degree in civil engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. In 2020, she moved to Canada to attend George Brown College (now named George Brown Polytechnic) in Toronto, Ont., where she earned an honours diploma in construction engineering technology.
Malgard started at Soletanche Bachy Canada in 2023, and she’s now back working at the company headquarters in Hamilton, Ont., after recently completing a seven month stint helping oversee a Soletanche Bachy project in Sizewell, England. Malgard remembers the day she learned she’d be working at Soletanche Bachy Canada as a very good day indeed. “I did my interview at 10 a.m., and at 12 noon, I received a call saying, ‘Okay, you got the job.’ I was over the moon, I was so happy,” she recalls. “We have a really good team here, and working for this company gives me opportunities to grow. I am energized to come to work every day!”
One of the things she enjoys most about her job is the problem-solving aspect so important to successful project management. “If I can save some money for the company, too, I enjoy it even more,” she added, with a laugh.
Malgard says she considers herself a people person and believes it’s important to find ways to get to connect to people on the job. She maintains if people know you’re open-minded and flexible, they’re more likely to come up and talk to you about what’s going on and identify possible issues at the work site. She adds that being a calm presence can be beneficial, too, when tensions run high, a not infrequent occurrence at work sites.
“In construction, especially on site crews, it seems everyone has a temper,” Malgard said, “so a challenging part of the job is dealing with different personalities.”
Malgard acknowledges some men on construction sites aren’t comfortable with a woman telling them what to do, but with her words and actions, she strives to illustrate how to properly view and interact with women like her in management positions, so that everyone gets the respect they deserve. Malgard says she’s proud to be woman working in construction and is glad to see greater female participation in what’s long been a male-dominated industry. In her view, men and women have different things to offer, and when their capabilities are combined, it can create more balanced construction teams.