Off the beaten path
A well-timed co-op placement at Lafarge set plant manager Tracy Lee on a career path she “never would have imagined”
Q: Tell us a bit more about your job and your responsibilities.
I’m the plant manager for Lafarge’s Caledon cluster of aggregate sites. I’m responsible for achieving Lafarge’s operational goals while prioritizing the health and safety of our employees. To efficiently and effectively run the day-to-day operations of the sites, my site supervisor and I work alongside a team of skilled maintenance personnel, plant operators and heavy mobile equipment operators to produce and ship quality aggregate materials.
Collaboration is key in my role, as I work closely with various functional groups within Lafarge. This ensures that our site adheres to and excels in activities related to plant and equipment maintenance, financial budgeting, labour management, environmental practices, community relations, quality assurance, and inventory management.
Q: Describe your typical day on the job and how the work you do contributes to the company.
Every day brings new challenges, opportunities and rewards. My contribution to Lafarge is being able to produce a complete line of high-quality aggregate products while fostering strong community ties and supporting my dedicated team.
Q: What do you find most challenging in your work?
Every day poses a different challenge. Each challenge has a different solution which requires a different approach. Remaining resilient and adaptable, while wearing various hats throughout the day, is both demanding and rewarding.
Q: What do you enjoy the most?
Getting to work with dynamic individuals. Leading a team that is knowledgeable and enthusiastic is a privilege. Additionally, I am grateful for the support and encouragement from our functional groups and senior leadership at Lafarge, which fosters a positive environment for growth and learning.
Q: How did you become interested in this work?
Sometimes life leads you in directions that you would have never imagined. That’s what happened to me. It was through meeting various mentors that I began to develop a passion for this industry and gain the knowledge required to apply for my next role. Once a site supervisor position became available, I applied and was offered the job. Those years gave me the experience to ultimately become a plant manager. The continuous learning opportunities in this industry keep me engaged and motivated to excel further.
EDUCATION AND ADVANCEMENT
Q: Is your current position the same as when you started in this company?
I started my career with Lafarge as a co-op student while completing my undergraduate degree. Sometimes, when starting your career, you may not know your 20-year plan or who you want to be, and that’s OK. I always sought new learning experiences and mentors for personal and professional growth, took risks, and accepted fresh challenges. I believe these things helped advance my career.
Q: How did you education or training prepare you for this work?
I have a diploma (chemical technologist), a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (occupational health and safety) and certificates in aggregate processing and management. Education in all forms is vital, whether it be from taking formal courses or talking to others and learning from their experiences. The key is to learn continuously.
Q: If you could start over, would you change your career path?
I am proud to be part of Lafarge’s GTA aggregates team. I love what I do and feel privileged to work alongside a fantastic team. If I could start over, I wouldn’t change a thing.
INDUSTRY AND ADVICE
Q: What advice would you give a high school student unsure of the opportunities in the aggregate industry?
Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions and get involved. Get out there and see how being part of this industry positively impacts your community. You won’t know if you like something until you try it out. If you want a career in a sector that makes a meaningful contribution to everything around us, aggregates may be for you.
Q: What are some common jobs in the aggregate industry that don’t require a formal education?
Lafarge Caledon has entry-level site positions (e.g., labourer) that don’t require a formal education. In these cases, it’s essential to be dependable, bring a positive attitude and desire to contribute to the team. With these qualities, it may open the way to other opportunities.
Q: What hard or soft skills should someone in your field have?
There are so many careers in this field that may require hard skills such as financial planning, geotechnical/mining engineering, project management, environmental science, health and safety, heavy mobile equipment training, trades tickets, etc. But soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills are always transferable and foundational elements for any career.