Meet Whitney Jardine
Whitney demonstrating welding techniques during a presentation to young women about careers in the trades and engineering technology.
Whitney is a dedicated Corporate Welding Engineer at The NARMCO Group, with a strong academic background in manufacturing and welding engineering. After earning a Diploma in Welding Engineering Technology (with distinction) from Northern College, Whitney pursued an Honours Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Manufacturing Engineering at McMaster University, a Certificate in Business Management at Mohawk College, and a Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering at McMaster University. Currently, Whitney is working toward her PhD in Mechanical Engineering, expected in 2028.
Beyond engineering, Whitney has a passion for welding and woodworking, even turning her craftsmanship into a small business selling furniture! She also loves spending time outdoors, enjoying fishing and swimming.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I grew up in Northern Ontario, spending time with my dad in his woodshop. I was always drawn to science—fascinated by animals and eager to understand how the world around me worked. My love for the trades really took off in high school when I joined an integrated tech class, where I got to try several different trades.
It was in the back of my automotive class that I first encountered a welding machine. The moment I struck my first arc, the world around me faded away—just me and the weld, everything else quiet. It was a moment of pure focus, almost serene. I knew then that I had found something special. I worked as a welder during the summers and later discovered the Welding Engineering Technology program at Northern College, which blended my love of welding and science perfectly.
It was during this time that I realized what "engineering" truly was—it’s not just about theoretical calculations or abstract concepts. Engineering is the bridge between science and hands-on understanding. It’s about applying scientific principles to solve real-world problems, designing things that are practical and functional. That realization made me even more passionate about pursuing this path.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
STEM allows me to see the world in a different light. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, create, and improve something—whether it's a process, a product, or even how we approach a problem. STEM isn’t just one path—it’s a network of fields that are all interconnected. What excites me most is how these areas—engineering, science, and the trades—are like puzzle pieces that fit together, and you can move between them based on your interests and passions.
For example, my love for welding isn’t just about working with metal—it’s a mix of physics, materials science, and engineering. I get to explore how different materials respond to heat, how to design better processes, and even how to solve practical problems in the field. What’s amazing is that you don’t have to stick to just one area. If you’re drawn to the trades but also curious about how things work at a deeper scientific or engineering level, you can easily move between these fields to create something uniquely your own. This interconnectedness is what makes STEM so dynamic—no matter where your interests lie, there’s always a way to bring them together, discover new things, and solve problems in creative ways. I want young women to see that, no matter their specific passion, STEM offers endless possibilities for exploration and growth.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
My biggest piece of advice is to never be afraid to dive in and learn everything you can. STEM is about curiosity, problem-solving, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what you know. If something interests you, explore it. Ask questions—no matter how simple or silly they may seem—because that’s where the learning starts. Most people are eager to help and teach, especially if they see your genuine curiosity. Don’t let anyone or anything discourage you from pursuing your passion. You’ll likely face challenges or be told that something isn’t for you, but that’s just noise. Whether it’s science, engineering, or the trades, all of these fields have space for you. What matters is your interest, your willingness to keep learning, and your persistence in pushing forward.
And don’t forget—STEM isn’t a linear path. If you find your interests shifting or evolving, that’s perfectly fine. You can always move between fields, mix your passions, and carve your own unique path. Stay open-minded, embrace the journey, and let your curiosity lead the way.
Tell us a fun fact about you and your current role!
My current role gives me the opportunity to travel to new places and use my skills to help a wide range of people. I love the variety—every day brings a new challenge, a new problem to solve, and new people to collaborate with. What I find especially cool is working on the new vehicles coming out. As a corporate welding engineer, I’m involved in every step of the process, from design to production, ensuring the quality and safety of the assemblies. Knowing that my contributions are part of bringing those vehicles to life, and seeing them on the road, is a rewarding feeling.