Meet Emma Hamilton, who is currently working with R.W. Tomlinson in the Ottawa area. She began her career with the company as a pre‑apprentice, progressed through her apprenticeship, earned her seat time, and is now employed full‑time as a skilled equipment operator.
Sister Hamilton operates multiple types of equipment across various projects. Today, she is working at a fill dump site, where her responsibilities include scraping material from tri‑axle boxes when loads stick, as well as moving and grading fill as it is dumped. She is operating a CAT 315 excavator.
In addition to her excavation work, she also operates a rubber‑tired loader, including supporting snow operations. Her ability to work across different machines and conditions demonstrates her versatility and adaptability on the job.
Emma’s progression from pre‑apprentice to full‑time operator is not only a reflection of her commitment to the trade but also a strong example of the growing presence of women in the construction industry. Her success highlights the importance of creating pathways and opportunities for more women to enter and thrive in these roles. Great job, Sister Emma!