The Welding Industry
The Welding Industry
An Article by the American Welding Society’s Women in Welding Spotlight
An Article by the American Welding Society’s Women in Welding Spotlight
One of the most common misconceptions of the welding industry is that it’s dirty, which in most cases is true. But for Veronica Gonzalez, a welding technician at NASA, her welds must be clean with zero mistakes. And then there’s Ashley Webel, a certified welding inspector at Roman Engineering Services, who spends more time reading, doing paperwork and inspecting welds than getting her hands dirty. Ashley is proud to be a part of the welding industry but doesn’t think it gets the credit it deserves, saying, “Most people don’t realize how much welding impacts our lives and where we would be without it. The work that I do helps build everything from bridges and cars to bookshelves.”
One of the most common misconceptions of the welding industry is that it’s dirty, which in most cases is true. But for Veronica Gonzalez, a welding technician at NASA, her welds must be clean with zero mistakes. And then there’s Ashley Webel, a certified welding inspector at Roman Engineering Services, who spends more time reading, doing paperwork and inspecting welds than getting her hands dirty. Ashley is proud to be a part of the welding industry but doesn’t think it gets the credit it deserves, saying, “Most people don’t realize how much welding impacts our lives and where we would be without it. The work that I do helps build everything from bridges and cars to bookshelves.”
I Love Welding
I Love Welding
Each of these women are unique in their own way and have followed different paths but all have one thing in common; their love for the welding industry.
Each of these women are unique in their own way and have followed different paths but all have one thing in common; their love for the welding industry.
Take for example, Jenny McCall, the President of WESCO Gas and Welding Supply Inc., who grew up watching her father run a successful welding supply company but decided to go to college to pursue a career in business. After working in a different field, Jenny returned to her father’s company and not only runs it, but pushes her employees to learn as much as they can because “it takes a combination of individuals to make this industry work,” Jenny says. “You don’t have to be a welder to be in our field, there are so many different opportunities.”
Take for example, Jenny McCall, the President of WESCO Gas and Welding Supply Inc., who grew up watching her father run a successful welding supply company but decided to go to college to pursue a career in business. After working in a different field, Jenny returned to her father’s company and not only runs it, but pushes her employees to learn as much as they can because “it takes a combination of individuals to make this industry work,” Jenny says. “You don’t have to be a welder to be in our field, there are so many different opportunities.”
When it comes to opportunities, welding instructor Amanda Scheffler would not be where she is today if it weren’t for seizing the opportunities granted to her. Amanda, who was offered a full ride scholarship to compete in welding, worked as a lab tech where she taught students the basics of welding. There, she discovered she loved teaching and couldn’t see herself doing anything else. She says, “I feel a sense of fulfillment teaching students how to strike an arc, control the fire and create/build things.”
When it comes to opportunities, welding instructor Amanda Scheffler would not be where she is today if it weren’t for seizing the opportunities granted to her. Amanda, who was offered a full ride scholarship to compete in welding, worked as a lab tech where she taught students the basics of welding. There, she discovered she loved teaching and couldn’t see herself doing anything else. She says, “I feel a sense of fulfillment teaching students how to strike an arc, control the fire and create/build things.”
Welding instructors might have one of the most influential jobs for those pursuing a career in the industry. Teaching up-and-comers the tricks of the trade is an important task, especially for those who only have trade school to lean on for assistance.
Welding instructors might have one of the most influential jobs for those pursuing a career in the industry. Teaching up-and-comers the tricks of the trade is an important task, especially for those who only have trade school to lean on for assistance.
Welding is a Way of Life
Welding is a Way of Life
Instructors may not know how important they are but students like Bobby Counts put everything into perspective. Bobby, who stays at the YWCA, an organization that helps women get back on their feet, was offered help through the Un-Traditional Jobs for Women Program to try something new.
Instructors may not know how important they are but students like Bobby Counts put everything into perspective. Bobby, who stays at the YWCA, an organization that helps women get back on their feet, was offered help through the Un-Traditional Jobs for Women Program to try something new.
For Bobby, welding isn’t just a hobby or a way to share her creative talents, it gives her a chance to show her son that “it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman. If you make up your mind to go do something, you can go and do it! Just go for it and give it your all!”
For Bobby, welding isn’t just a hobby or a way to share her creative talents, it gives her a chance to show her son that “it doesn’t matter if you’re a man or woman. If you make up your mind to go do something, you can go and do it! Just go for it and give it your all!”