Female ambition at AGF

The rebar industry, and the construction industry in general, is overwhelmingly a man’s world.

AGF’s communications team interviewed several women who have had remarkable career paths within the company. Whether they work in the offices or in the heart of the action in our factories, they tell us about their experiences.

Choosing an area of the business
Sophie Bouchard, head of estimating, began her journey with AGF in April 2012. She finds this to be a very exciting field. Since reinforcement work comes early in the construction sequence, it calls for great agility. “Reinforcement work takes place early in the on-site construction sequence. The time is often relatively short between the bidding process and mobilization on site. So we have to be agile and adapt to seize the right business opportunities when they arise.” Melissa Thomas, who has been on the ground in our Calgary plant for the past five years, has worked her way up to become one of the lead operators. She loves her job and really sees herself as a “strong woman” on her team. Joanie Piche drives trucks from our plants to our various work sites (five to six a day). She’s a real enthusiast! In her words: “I don’t know how to describe to you how this can be the greatest job you can have in your life.I like to go on the road.”

Why choose a career with AGF?

Sophie and Joanie make several points. For one thing, AGF is a world-class company that has retained the feel of a family business. This spirit still prevails in both the offices and the plants, which fosters a close relationship among the teams which have a lot of talent. “I have the chance to work with experts in their field who have taught me a lot and who continue to pass on their expertise to me,” Sophie told us.

Each of them knows how to recognize daily achievements and sees herself reflected in the company’s values: leadership, health and safety, performance, team spirit and community involvement.Melissa points out that the Calgary team has logged almost 400 days without an accident, even in this high-risk industry. This really makes her feel like she belongs!

Diversity in the rebar industry

Today, as Sophie says: “In the reinforcing steel sector, as in society in general, we still have a long way to go to ensure greater diversity. Each company and each individual has a responsibility to contribute to positive change. Everyone can make a difference in their own way. The construction world is also changing, and that’s a very good thing.”

Joanie is looking ahead for the future. Since her debut in the profession at the age of 21, she has worked hard to find her place. She achieved this through her spirited, talented and driven personality. “You have to dare and go for it. (…) I don’t see any distinction between girls and guys at AGF. We are all part of the same team.” There is no doubt that today she proudly wears the colors of AGF.

Proud partner of Les Elles de la Construction

For 2 years, AGF has been a partner of Les Elles de la Construction, whose mission is to promote the rights and interests of women working in the construction industry.
Follow them on LinkedIn to stay up to date with their activities!