From student to faculty: A skilled trades journey fueled by passion and perseverance
Aug. 14, 2025
Growing up around powersports and the waters of Georgian Bay, a career in the marine industry seemed inevitable for Kate Dudman. Now a faculty member in the Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic Ontario College Certificate program, Kate shares her journey from the early spark that ignited her passion for the marine industry to her transition from student to Georgian faculty, helping shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Although her career path wasn’t always clear, Kate’s first job at a marina in Honey Harbour at age 14 sparked her interest in tourism and the marine sector. At the same time, her family owned and operated a boat storage facility in the same area, where she helped with light mechanical work and boat detailing since she was a toddler.
When looking at postsecondary options, Georgian was an easy choice for Kate after finding out the college offered a program that related to tourism and travel – two of her passions. She said, “I knew that this was right up my alley. Working at a marina, loving customer service, and looking for a way to advance my career, this was the right program for me. I got to attend college, live the campus life and be close to Georgian Bay.”
After graduating from the Tourism and Travel program, Kate began working full-time at a local BRP dealership (Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo) as a sales and parts assistant. She quickly realized how the powersports industry relates to travel and tourism. She shared, “It may not be the first thing people think about when thinking marine or powersports industry, travel and tourism. But isn’t it? A perfect combination of both.”
Working at the dealership as a sales and parts assistant allowed Kate to learn more about the actual mechanics of the products sold. Combined with her family’s business, the next step was to learn more and she decided to enrol in the Marine Engine Mechanic program at the Midland Campus. Kate said, “I may look at things differently than some, but whether you’re in sales, parts, service, accounting, or another department, it’s helpful to know what your team is working on. I enjoy speaking to customers about how things operate, and details of the mechanical work that’s been done, and explaining to them in a way they can understand instead of a generic response. The combination of my jobs, the teams I’ve worked with, and doing two programs that work well together have made me who I am today and put me back at Georgian.”
Embarking on her journey as a professor, connecting with people about their work or learning more about themselves, makes teaching enjoyable for Kate. She says, “Having a personality of wanting to continuously learn and share my knowledge helps me connect with students. It’s been a humbling experience with the first semester almost complete. I’ve valued the students as a group and individually. I’m happy to be part of their journey and hope that even a small anecdote in our lessons will stay with them throughout their careers.”
Kate encourages women considering a trade to not give up.
“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; don’t let what you think could be a weak link in any trade hold you back from trying it. Communication is huge in any industry, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or speak up with your suggestions. I’ve been alone at the parts desk before and a customer insisted on speaking with the ‘parts guy.’ After I assisted him, it felt pretty good, and that feeling, no male can ever feel. It will happen, and it’s not insulting when the interaction is over, it’s empowering.”
The demand to build a skilled trades workforce locally and across the country is at an all-time high. When it comes to encouraging prospective students who may not be sure of their path, Kate shared, “I find that skilled trades are becoming more enticing for people to get involved in. I think no matter what the economy is, people need trades. Electrical, plumbing, welding and mechanical techniques are essential to our world. I think some can be discouraged by potential seasonal work for some industries, but in the right company or area, this doesn’t have to be a problem.”
Incentives for some students, like the Skills Ontario competition, can also be motivating to others who’ve either watched it or heard about it, Kate shared. Speaking to students already enrolled in the program can also be the best encouragement for the next year’s class. Classmates of Kate’s in the mechanical techniques program and other trades now work with the Canadian Coast Guard, live in the Caribbean, or have worked in remote yet inspiring communities. She says, “The opportunities are there, you just have to find your starting line.”
Looking back on your journey from student to faculty, what’s one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were starting?
I wish I kept pursuing more trades while I was younger. I could do it now, maybe I will, but I think the more you learn, the better. Whatever industry you choose to work in, learn from your company and learn from your coworkers. Ask more questions, volunteer to do the trade shows and the conferences, and build yourself a portfolio of you, for you. I’m very thankful for my journey that brought me back here to Georgian – it could be a destination on your path too.
Learn more about Georgian’s investment in building the skilled trades workforce of tomorrow