Weld Like a Girl
In response to reader interest on the subject of women in welding, we invited Jennifer Simpson (aka Carmen Electrode) to write a guest commentary on the things women should know if they are considering, or already involved in, a career in the welding industry. Below are some of her observations.
It’s estimated that only 5% of welders in the U.S. are women and that there will be a shortage of 200,000 skilled welders by 2010. Plus, the median hourly wage for a welder is $15.51, and highly skilled welders can earn even more. Given those statistics, it’s not hard to see why welding offers a great opportunity for women
Since many women either don’t know much about welding as a career or have a lot of misconceptions about welding as a job, I interviewed some welding instructors and women already making their careers as professional welders about what it takes for a woman to make it as a welder.
Knowledge is king queen
The advice I hear most often from welders, both men and women is that training and experience will take you far. Take classes in all types of welding and learn as much as you can about everything you do.
Welding Instructor Nancy Wood says, “Women in the trade say that they have had to be better than the men working around them to even be considered an equal by their peers. Find a great teacher who can give [you] the time and direction to master the practical skill …. and practice, practice, practice!”
Welding instructor Tony Marsden adds, “Just because you’re certified does not mean you know everything.” Instructor Wood agrees and adds, “Watch and learn from the welders working around you on the job.”
Also, gender becomes less of a factor as the level of technical difficulty increases.
There are many programs out there to train welders, from community colleges to state-run occupational training programs and many equipment manufacturers offer training as well. The American Welding Society’s School Locator is a good place to start.
Do you think women need to be better welders than their male peers just to be considered equals? Do you have advice to offer women considering a career in welding? Share your thoughts by posting a comment below.
Jennifer Simpson is Director of Marketing and New Media for Arc-Zone.com® Inc. where she serves as editor for the company blogs: CarmenElectrode.com and JoeWelder.com
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September 25th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Interesting article, it’s good to see the industry change to be more open and career focused on training and education for all.
There are some real good opportunities in the U.S. and Canada right now. As we begin to move away from oil — good welding jobs, and opportunities to start companies fabricating components for the new economy — The ET (Energy Technology) economy will be huge. And those products — and jobs — are not something that can be outsourced! Get ready — start now!
October 6th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
As a sixteen year experienced female welder and a ten year welding instructor, I agree with Jennifer on “Knowledge is Queen”. It’s a good idea to keep a portfolio of all your certifications, continuing education and experiences. It is also a good idea to get involved with your local American Welding Society. The individuals that serve on the board of directors are well known, knowledgeable and respected in the welding industry. They are great to have as a reference on a résumé. Also, as a female welder, be sure to check out the Revco’s Angle Fire PPE for women welders. You can buy them online at http://www.oxygenservicecompany.com keyword: women
October 8th, 2008 at 4:58 am
As a woman just starting out in the industry, going into my C level welder/fitting program, I thought that I had to do better thn the boys. Turns out I’m just as good, if not better than most. I’m confident that once I’m out working, the majority of the time, my gender will not be an issue. I realise at times it will be, and the plan is to keep my head down and work hard
October 14th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
i am a women Tig welder, with over 10years of experience,coded upto asme 9 having worked in the pharmaceutical industry,with a H.N.C in mechanical engineering. i wanted the opportunity to write of my experience’s within the welding trade(er no….not really i’m venting my frustration really!) i have had a mixture of good and bad experiences since i started in this trade,on the positive side i’ve worked at some good places with some brilliant blokes but i have to say these are few and far between. After being in the welding trade for the last 10 yrs,I’m finding it very fustrating i have had to leave a number of workplaces(not without a fighting my corner i might add) due to sexual discrimination, sexual harrassment and yes sad to say even assault! Some of the time i am out of work despite being more skilled and qualified than most others in my trade,my c.v seems to disappear down a black hole or employers just don’t call back! also when i have had an interview i suspect they’ve given me interview out of curiosity more than anything else, because they haven’t seen a women welder!…it’s too amusing for words really, i also find at an interview they talk to me like the job is hard and above me when in reality it’s well below my skill level and completely boreing. I do find myself haveing to take what i see as boring and unskilled jobs just so i’ve actually got work. To anyone thinking of getting into welding..yes this all sounds very negative but don’t let it deter you from going into this trade, i love what i do and really enjoy welding!i only speak from my own experiences, there will be some women who may not have had the same experiences as me.future plans-working abroad away from brum!!..shouts out to any other women doing welding!!!!!!!!!
October 19th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Hello, my name is Kate and I am currently a student in the Welding Technology Program at my local Community College. I am doing a paper on women in non-traditional occupations with an emphasis of women in welding. I would love to get more feedback from anyone who has the time!! Any points that you find pertinent to this topic would be greatly appreciated!!
November 1st, 2008 at 4:15 am
This is for Kate. I am a female in the Millwright trade. (Affiliated with the Carpenter’s). Which I completed the four year apprenticeship and I am now a Journeyman Millwright. I absolutely love welding. I may not be the best at it, and my welds may not be pretty, but I try to make sparks every chance I get. I too, learned to weld at my local Community College, while attending my apprenticeship and working at the same time. I also learned to cut steel with the oxy-acetylene torch. It is sometimes true, that us girls have to work twice as hard to be considered half as good. It’s not always easy getting that forman to let me weld. But for the most part, my male co-workers have been very generous with their knowledge and encouragement. There’s times when I get on a roll and then realize that I have an audience. I use various power tools, forklifts, bridgecranes, man-lifts, power platforms, heavy construction vehicles and machinery. In all different environments. No two the same and always something new to learn. Although I did, first, have to earn their trust and respect . There are, on rare occassion, those who believe that women don’t belong, no matter what. About them I say, give me enough time and they may still not sit with me at lunch, but when I’m gone, they’ll miss me, because then they have to get their own stuff. I wouldn’t trade any of the burns, bruises or long commutes for anything.
November 2nd, 2008 at 1:30 am
Hey, name’s Rachel, and I’m 20 years old, and I’ve only been welding just under 2 years and I love it. I didn’t go to school for anything after I graduated highschool. My first welding job was doing repair work on railroad cars. Dirtiest job I’ve ever done, but it was still fun. I learned a lot there, probably nothing like what I would have learned if I would have gone to school. Now I’m working in a fab. shop that does all sorts of projects. Right now, I’m helping to build one of those sign structures that stretches across the highways. Currently, I am the only female in the fab. shop. When me and my boyfriend first started this job, and I felt really out of place for the first few days. There are still a few times that I feel out of place. But anyways, I never saw myself doing the job that I do now. I always thought I’d be doing something with animals, or computers…..nope! I’m a welder!!