In a society where a man is “supposed” to do a particular field of work, Pam Fraser and her female colleagues at New GPC Inc have proven that women, too, can master the skills and do work expected to be done by men.
Pam graduated with a certificate in welding from the Government Technical Institute, (GTI) and although many questioned her choice of career, she was determined to do what she loves.
“A past boyfriend was in the field and I would watch him in his line of work, observing his techniques, and that was when I became fascinated with it. As a female in a career that was mainly known to be a man’s job, I kept improving my self and didn’t listen to what others had to say. I worked with a clay brick factory, glass factory, Guymine and small industries in the mechanical field, and I demanded respect from male colleagues,” she said in an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, not in her work gear but this time neatly dressed and sitting in her office – which she said she doesn’t use often.
In her 20s and married, Pam was employed at the pharmaceutical company then known as GPC Inc located in La Penitence.
“I came on here as a welder; the first female to come in here in the mechanical field. I demanded respect and was always behind the experienced ones in the welding field, and I would ask questions if I had problems. When I started with GPC Inc, which is now known as New GPC Inc, it was based in La Penitence and then I came to the Farm location which had no building and was just putting up pillars for buildings.”
There were days when she was required to assist in other mechanical fields other than welding, and having an open mind, Pam jumped at every opportunity she got to learn new things.
“I fell into other fields and never did I refuse to learn something new. If there was casting work to get done I would offer to help willingly. Sometimes I would help until 2 in the morning because the pharmaceutical plant was being newly-built. I never gave up an opportunity to learn new techniques or jobs,” she recalled.
Now serving in the mechanical field for 25 years, Pam reaches to work promptly at 06:30 hours everyday
Annzette (left) and Pam in New GPC Inc’s plant
although she lives on the West Bank; and if she knows the bridge will be opened she would leave her home even earlier – all in her commitment to maintain a smooth operation and because of her obligations to her job, which she said she loves dearly.
She pointed out that although theory is important, experience is even more significant, especially in her line of work. It is working and learning about the machines that makes her work easier; also she does not keep her knowledge to herself. She noted that if she shares what she knows with others then it will be easier to get the work done.
“It’s selfish when someone says he wouldn’t tell another what he knows just because he thinks the other person will get ahead. When others know about the job then you will get the work done faster and easier and you get to go home early. At least it has proven easier for me and gets my problems solved faster,” she noted.
Pam spends many hours along with two other female colleagues, Annzette Thomas and Denise Birkette, who are also into the mechanical field and have been working with the company for over 20 years solving problems.
“We work extra hours and spend a lot of time figuring out the machines and how we can help in solving problems. But I don’t restrict myself to just welding; I do a bit of everything in the mechanical field like plumbing; and so instead of calling the technicians we try to fix the problem. Some days are quiet while some days we work until the next morning.”
“I ensure the production offices have the correct temperature for production of medication. For example, if tablets don’t have the correct temperature we can suffer many losses, and that can’t happen on my watch. I make a lot of sacrifices, and that’s what you do when you have utter love for your job. It’s not easy because of the hours, but fortunately my husband understands my line of work. Sometimes I even think about fixing a problem when I’m sleeping, so it’s part of me,” she said, talking about some of her other responsibilities.
When it comes to chores at home, Pam said she is thankful she has an understanding husband who assists her and their three children who, although they did not take up her field, turned out to be great in their career pursuits.
“I would only cook on weekends, and I’m truly thankful for my husband who understood my work,” she said.
Her reason for staying with the company for so many years is because there is never a dull moment and she keeps learning everyday.
“I have learnt a lot, and the work keeps me intrigued – there is never a dull moment working along with my other female colleagues. I love my job and I’m very passionate about it. I survived because I demanded respect working in this field, and that is what I encourage women to do who are also in this line of work. Never should they allow themselves to be subdued by the so-called “man’s world”, but be determined to be great at what they do and be proud of it.”
Pam and the other two female welders have worked together as a team and have seen the company grow over the years. They intend to continue their dedication to their jobs, and encourage women to do the same. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
