FAST FIVE: Katie Johnston: Teacher, welder, traveler
Meet Katie Johnston, KTEC welding instructor, wife and dog mom. Katie lives in Rathdrum with her husband Jimmy, and her animals Millie and Dicky. She was born and raised in Sandpoint and takes advantage of all the things North Idaho has to offer. In her off time, Katie enjoys riding their RZR, traveling, golfing, camping, horseback riding, gardening and working on personal vehicle projects with her husband.
Generation:
I am technically a millennial, but I would describe myself as “mega-millennial,” someone who considers themself ahead and doesn't identify with negative stereotypes associated with their generations. I believe myself to be a hard worker and don’t agree with the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality. Students who do have that mentality, I try to give a heads up that industry is not that way.
Career and community involvement:
Working at a school, we have a lot of involvement fabricating community projects. We have built buddy benches for local schools, fire pits, fixed trailer fenders, built stairs, and so many more. I am also participating in the Rathdrum Mayor's Cup golf tournament this summer, all the proceeds go to KTEC and our programs.
Parental status:
We have two furbabies. Our golden retriever, Millie, and our little kitten Dicky.
1. What's it like to be a female not only in the welding industry, but teaching it at KTEC?
Being a female in the welding industry isn’t always easy, but it has always been a positive experience. This is, and probably always will be, a male-dominated industry which means, as a female, you have to have a strong backbone. For lack of better words, “be one of the guys.” I would say as a teacher at KTEC, it is easier being a female here than it is in industry, but of course you’ll always have those students who want to “test” you. There will always be hurdles in any industry but for me specifically, it continues to help me be a stronger person.
2. What drew you to this hazardous profession?
I always knew I never wanted to have a desk job, and growing up on and around a small farm helped drive me to where I am today. I always saw my dad and my grandpa working hard growing their businesses, working outside, and always working with their hands. I would help my dad around the shop and always be outside with my grandpa working on the farm. I think it runs in the family; all of my siblings have a career in the trades. I started welding in high school and I haven’t stopped since. I was hooked.
3. What are a few pointers for someone who is interested in welding, and why should someone consider this as a career?
I always tell my students that soft skills are number one. Companies can train you for what they need, but they won’t train you to show up on time, ready to work and to stay off your phone! Anyone going into the welding industry should be ready to work hard and get their hands dirty. Even though it can be a tough career, I can say it is probably one of the most rewarding. Getting to work on something starting from the ground up and seeing the finished product is something that most people won’t get to experience.
4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I would say the most common thing that people are surprised to learn about me is that I am a welding instructor. Most of the time when I say I am a teacher, people say, “Oh, kindergarten.” It is always funny to see their reaction when I tell them I teach welding.
5. When you're not teaching at KTEC, what are a few of your favorite things to do?
Spending quality time traveling with my husband is my favorite thing to do. I would say most of my summer is consumed by camping and RZR riding with friends. We also have a Jeep that we built that we like to take out on wheeling trips. My husband and I always keep busy with some sort of project, whether it is in the shop working on our 1974 crew cab, house project or landscaping project. I like to live by the motto of, "Life is short, so take advantage of it."
