Meet APM Millwright Apprentice, Katie O’Neill!
Est. Read Time: 8 minutes
This month’s spotlight features APM Millwright Apprentice, Katie O’Neill! After exploring many career options, Katie found her fit as a Millwright. She grew up in a family of trades, being raised by an awesome single Father and heavily influenced by her Grandfather, a Welder and Millwright. So once Katie completed a local Welding Program, she followed in her Grandpa’s footsteps and never looked back!
Katie first learned about APM through talking with fellow Millwrights and attending a Turbine course in Las Vegas where she met many Canadian and US APM Millwrights. In August, Katie joined her first job with APM working on her first Turbine job at Darlington. Katie also just hit her 3rd year Millwright Apprentice! In other exciting news, Katie recently got engaged in April! Congratulations! We are so excited to spotlight Katie! Read more to get to know her surprising fact, favorite quote, and perspectives on success and leadership.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working with APM?
I was surprised to learn APM works on jet engines as well as projects around the globe!
What energizes you at work?
Learning new things, working with great crews, and being able to see our accomplishments (big or small) energizes me daily.
What do you find the most challenging in your role?
Being a Millwright requires you to have a lot of knowledge about many things. It’s always a welcome challenge when we have to problem solve in the field, and even more rewarding when we complete the task by doing so!
What do you like most about working with APM?
In my short time working for APM, it has become apparent to me the emphasis on safety, the generosity and care given to workers, and the comradery that APM has fostered in the folks that follow the company around the world job to job. Neil Hamilton, our head Safety guy has supported local restaurants and our hungry stomachs by hosting a weekly delicious safety lunch – we appreciate your hard work, Neil!
How has APM helped you in your career development?
APM has introduced to me the world of Turbines, and I’m looking forward to working on more so I can learn as many aspects of these machines as possible. In addition, I’ve already met so many hard-working and dedicated tradespeople that continue to set the bar high for the newer generation.
What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete?
I’m a big fan of learning when you can, and if I have down time, you can usually find me taking any available courses or upgrades. As well as attending Gas and Steam Turbine Fundamentals, I have a Broderson ticket, Welding Tickets, and much more. My goal is to be as diversified as possible so I can bring many skills to the job site.
What is your proudest moment with APM?
This job at Darlington has been pretty awesome so far, but the generator end rotor lift was truly something to see! I’ve never seen such heavy duty rigging before and it was a great thing to be a part of. I was very lucky to be in the position I was to catch the 80ft endless sling’s tell tails retracting. Fortunately, we have an incredible crew who each did their part after a very thorough pre-job brief by our very own Terry Jennings. Our crew switched out the sling in question, and executed a flawless 400,000lb lift. Congrats to everyone involved!
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
I mentioned before that my Grandpa was a Millwright, and although we lost him when I was 8, he’s always been my North Star. A man of class and integrity, he always sought a job well done and these are the principles with which guide my life and career. I wish I could call him to talk shop, but I know how proud he would be with every step closer I am to obtaining my ticket. Here’s to you, Pops!
How do you prefer to spend your days off?
I love spending time with my friends, but there’s nothing like coming home to my wonderful Fiancé and our 65lb sassy Old English Bulldog. No matter where we are, these two can make anywhere feel like home.
How do you balance your career at APM and family?
What we do can be quite a time commitment, working long hours and for several days at a time, but I’m incredibly lucky to have such a great support system at home. I’m lucky that my Fiance thinks what I do is cool, has a background that allows him to understand what we do, and he loves hearing my stories.
What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?
It’s always a good idea to ask lots of questions, carry a notebook, and help out our older brothers and sisters – the knowledge they pass along in return is worth its weight in gold!
What is a non-work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
Everything I have in life, I’ve worked hard for, and that’s not limited to material items. When you feel like you’ve earned something, that is a true reward. Paying off my car last year was a great milestone, and next on the list is buying our first home.
Katie’s Perspective on Leadership
True leadership to me means staying focused on the collective goal while also taking care of your team. A good leader is supportive and encouraging, and setting the tone for that type of environment usually sets your team up for success.
Katie’s Surprising Fact
People would be surprised if they knew I ran my own Wedding Photography business for 10 years, and taught in the Media, Art, and Design Department at Durham College in Oshawa. It was such a pleasure to have done both, but I couldn’t be prouder to be working as a Millwright.
Katie’s Favorite Quote
“You can’t appreciate the sweet without the sour.”
Katie’s Definition of Success
A success doesn’t have to be big, sometimes it’s the little things that mean or matter the most. But in my mind, being the best you can, helping others, and focusing on quality over quantity are some of the ingredients that lead to successes.