How Rachel Bourne Broke Ground in the Drilling Industry

Rachel Bourne never expected her career to start with steel-toed boots and a drill rig. As a high school student passionate about art and fashion design, she imagined a future in the fashion industry. However, a presentation from Fleming College during a high school class introduced her to something completely different. When a speaker mentioned the Drilling and Blasting program, highlighting its high employment rate and the demand for women in the field, Rachel’s perspective shifted. By Grade 11, she had already begun to reconsider her path. 

During her time at Fleming College, Rachel found more than just technical training. She found mentorship and long-lasting support from instructors like Jim Smith, Charlie Morettie, and Steve Wilkinson. These mentors not only guided her through the program but also continued to support her as she entered the workforce. 

Rachel’s transition into the industry happened quickly. She made valuable connections and received multiple job offers through a job fair hosted by the College. Just three days after graduating, she began working with a geotech drilling company in Guelph. By age 21, she was already trusted to operate rigs on her own, which was a rare achievement for someone so early in their career. One of her proudest milestones was the first time she completed a drill independently. 

Later, Rachel moved into a management role at Elements Geo Corp where her responsibilities shifted significantly. Instead of focusing on fieldwork, she now manages a team, oversees drilling operations, and ensures everything runs smoothly. While this brings new challenges, it also deepens her commitment to the industry. 

In 2023, Rachel took an important step by helping to establish the Ontario Trillium Chapter of the National Drilling Association. The idea came after she attended the association’s 50th-anniversary conference in the United States. Inspired by the experience and the conversations she had with other professionals, Rachel returned home determined to create something similar in Ontario. She gathered support and organized a meeting that brought together 70 professionals from across the province. Their first event attracted more than 100 attendees and marked the beginning of a growing network. 

In 2025, Rachel helped bring the second annual training day to Fleming College’s Frost Campus, the very place her journey began. Hosting the event at her alma mater was a full-circle moment. “To come back to where it all started and see so many industry professionals and students connecting, it was incredibly rewarding,” Rachel said. The conference was a great success, with close to 130 attendees taking part in hands-on training, networking sessions, and industry discussions. It was a proud milestone for both Rachel and the Ontario Trillium Chapter. 

Rachel strongly believes in the importance of community within the drilling industry. She understood how difficult it could be for workers to connect, especially in such a competitive field. Through the association, she aimed to create a supportive environment where companies could collaborate, share resources, and help one another succeed. It also gave new professionals a much-needed space to learn, grow, and find their place in the field. 

 My advice to students in the Drilling and Blasting program is to stay open-minded and explore every corner of the industry,” says Rachel. “Use social media to connect, share your work, and build your reputation. For me, it all came down to persistence, resilience, and a real determination to prove myself, even when others doubted me. 

Rachel’s story shows what could happen when someone follows their instincts and refuse to give up. She turned an unexpected opportunity into a fulfilling career and has helped build a stronger future for the drilling industry in Ontario.  

At Fleming College, we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of community members who champion the Resources Drilling Technician program. Most recently, Diverso Energy demonstrated their long-term commitment to the College and our community by announcing a multi-year gift. This generous contribution will provide annual scholarships to two deserving Drilling students and help fund the program’s highest priority needs.