Rachel Bourne: Geotechnical and Environmental Driller

The Smoko Podcast

Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we’re joined by Rachel Bourne, a pioneering female driller in the geotechnical and environmental drilling industry. Rachel’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers and challenging norms in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Rachel shares her unexpected path from aspiring artist to a respected professional in drilling, driven by a chance encounter with a college program presentation that pivoted her career trajectory. Throughout the episode, Rachel provides a fascinating look into the world of geotechnical and environmental drilling. She explains how her work is crucial in assessing soil and rock properties for construction projects, detecting contamination, and ensuring environmental safety. Rachel highlights the importance of drilling in environmental science, particularly in monitoring and remediating contaminated sites and its role in advancing sustainability through geothermal energy exploration.

Rachel candidly discusses the challenges she faced as one of the few women in the field, including overcoming skepticism and harassment, and how she turned those experiences into opportunities for growth and leadership.

This episode also delves into the future of drilling as a recognized skilled trade. Rachel, who is actively involved with the Ontario Groundwater Association and the National Drilling Association Ontario chapter, shares her efforts in advocating for formal recognition and standardization of drilling as a skilled trade. She emphasizes the need for structured training programs, certification, and the importance of passing down knowledge to the next generation of drillers.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the technical and practical aspects of drilling, the critical role it plays in various industries, and the ongoing efforts to elevate the profession. Rachel’s story is not just about drilling; it's about resilience, continuous learning, and the importance of diversity in STEM and trade occupations.

Rachel Bourne:

https://www.instagram.com/bournetodrill/

https://www.tiktok.com/@bournetodrill7

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bourne-325b09131/

The Driller:

https://www.thedriller.com/

Elements Geo Corp:

https://elementsgeo.com/

The Smoko Podcast is sponsored by Peggy Workwear: workwear designed by women, for women. From the shop floor to the boardroom, Peggy Workwear creates workwear which fits and functions for your everyday. Whatever that may be! After all, we've been in your boots.
www.peggyworkwear.ca