Women in the Welding Industry
Welding is sometimes seen as a masculine activity frequented mainly by men. However, we at The Weld Space are trying to challenge this image and have done our very best to appeal to a larger audience. One of the growing audiences is women. The larger the community, the more that can be achieved, and gender needs to be no barrier.
The professional side of the industry works hard to attract women into welding as a career and we on the recreational side are doing the same thing. Saying this, you don’t always have to work as a welder to be included. Whether you are a DIYer or pursuing hobbyist interests. Welding and metalwork is for everyone be that creating artwork, building furniture, repairing cars, or just being more resourceful.
In this blog post, we have spoken with a number of women who are leaders in the field and doing their most to increase the number of women who weld!
Thank you for your help, and we hope these women inspire you to give it a go.
Mikala Eade - Professional Welder
Mikala Eade has established a thriving presence on Instagram through her well-received social media platform where she showcases her welding skills. In a recent conversation, Mikala shared insights on the motivations behind her choice to pursue welding and discussed the particular welding techniques that spark her passion.
So Mikala tell us why you decided decide to get involved in the trade?
After I finished school I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do, I ended up at a college open evening in the engineering department and it just fascinated me so I just went for it and signed myself up and haven't looked back since.
What barriers did you face or have to overcome?
I've had to overcome being the only woman on my college course and even the workshop I work in today! I admit it was daunting but I've ended up making friends for life! I've even had to overcome finding workwear that fits me, but we're getting there slowly more brands are starting to bringing out woman's workwear! I've had to face a lot of nasty comments being in the online world, being told it's still a man's job and that I shouldn't be a welder but the amount of positive & encouragement I receive outweighs.
What changes have you noticed within the industry since you first started your career?
So many more company's & colleges are helping woman get in to the trades like VW which is amazing to see! But we need to close the gender gap on all trades!
What are you most proud of in your career? I am proud of completing my apprenticeship! It was a lot of learning and hard work but it was worth it and now I'm qualified! I'm also proud of building up a community on my Instagram where hopefully I can encourage more girls into trades
Finally, What advice would you give to women and girls considering a career in the trade?
Just give it a go! Don't let the stereotypes scare you.
My current career I currently work at Bailey Total Building Envelope making facias and claddings for building which means I specialise in aluminium welding.
What is your favourite welding process and why?
I absolutely love TIG welding especially using a foot pedal as there is just so much control!
Check out Mikala’s awesome social media feed and follow what she gets up to.
Tamar Harrison - Local Artist and Jewellery Maker
Tamar Harrison, a talented local artist, stumbled upon The Weld Space and decided to enroll in our courses to enhance her artistic abilities. Eager to expand her skill set and nurture her creativity, Tamar shared her motivations for venturing into the world of welding, marking the beginning of her exciting journey with us.
Hey Tamar hope you are well, Tell us what made you want to explore Metalwork and Welding and what you do now?
I’ve spent the last 15 years as a self employed artist. I lived in Alaska and created large and small sculptures out of driftwood. I am also a self taught silversmith. In Alaska I had an abundance of driftwood to create with, here in Devon the driftwood supplies are more limited. I love creating large pieces of art, and the idea of working with metal is exciting. Welding seems like the perfect next skill to learn.
Thank you, so did you have a favourite welding process and why?
I don’t have a favourite welding process yet. I think I need more time to play and learn. Over the course we did explore MIG and MMA Welding so I think that is a useful place to start.
Do you have any advice would for women interested in welding?
I would tell other women interested in welding to “go for it!” It’s not as scary as it looks, it’s actually super exciting.
Tamar, sells her work and also welcomes custom commissions. If you wish to get in touch with her, feel free to reach out through her social media profiles on Facebook and Instagram.
Rubino-Wilson Studio - Fabrication Studio and Metalwork Practitioners
We recently had a conversation with Daniela Rubino and Lauren Wilson, both designers and makers with backgrounds in Sculpture from Central Saint Martins and The Slade School of Fine Art. Their creative projects cater to diverse audiences and are centered around their expertise in utilising steel and aluminium.
Together, they initiated Ore-Projects, an innovative venture aimed at involving youth involved in welding and metalwork. Read on to uncover the fascinating details of their project.
What is it that you do? What exactly is welding and how did you get into it/realise you have a talent for this type of work?
We are designers and makers who studied Sculpture at Central Saint Martins and The Slade School of Fine Art respectively. Our projects span multiple audiences, linked by our specialism - working with steel and aluminium. Our portfolio includes the furniture brand STUDIO ENYO, a world-class fabrication service for artists and interior designers, and a free mentoring scheme that equips young adults with metal fabrication skills.
From a young age we both found making things highly stimulating. We owe our passion for making and our ability and confidence through the support of our dads. Daniela’s dad is a cabinet maker and Lauren’s dad is an engineer. We both studied sculpture and excelled through learning different processes in the workshop. After graduating we met at a shared space in the metalwork department and joined as RubinoWilson. We now work from Grandeys place, a philanthropic venture set up by Clive Beecham, who provides some of the best crafts people in the country with subsidised studios. We were offered a studio on merit of our skills and achievements. We also teach metalwork course for the public from our space.
Women make up just 5% of the welding workforce, and 16% of all engineers, why do you think this is?
In general there is a lack of Design and Technology in school, as it is no longer compulsory subject. The number of students taking the subject GCSE or A-level has fallen by over 70%. The students we work with who are studying D&T are under-stimulated as there is very little focus on practical hands-on learning. Workshop environments are not conducive to females, they are not designed to make women feel comfortable, at worst they foster an environment that actively makes women feel very uncomfortable. If there isn’t the option to study it at school and the end result is feeling unwelcome and unsafe, there is little incentive for a young woman to take up a career in welding.
Have you experienced any sexism in the industry?
We have both been made to feel uncomfortable through unconscious bias, unequal treatment and bullying.
It’s never nice to walk into a workshop and see a naked calendar on the wall, for us that is an immediate warning or indication of a power imbalance. We follow a lot of welders on social media; there seems to be an exchange happening where if you are beautiful and are willing to show skin you can gain a following but if you’re a guy you can just present welds and that’s enough to gain respect.
When teaching classes at other institutions more than once, students have turned up and asked “where’s the teacher”. Having to prove to the students that you are worthy of their attention is tiring. In previous workplaces we have met men who signed up for a course but completely ignored our advice.
We are extremely health and safety conscious. There seems to be a correlation between being macho and not wearing gloves or looking after your lungs. There needs to be trust and respect when you are learning.
Trade PPE is not designed for women, which is a potential safety issue. We seek out brands that specifically accommodate proper fitting uniforms for women, however they are rare, and not everyone wants to wear pink.
Have you faced any gender-related challenges throughout your career?
The foundation of our relationship was formed bonding over the lack of inclusivity in the industry. We are happy positive people and we would get so excited thinking about creating a space void of sexism. Initially all we were doing was trying to get on with our work and form a career in the industry. When you are constantly belittled and made to feel lesser on top of being objectified it makes you feel like you’re in the wrong place.
We set up a women’s only welding weekend to encourage more women and LGBT individuals into metalwork, with the aim to create a safe comfortable environment to learn. Initially we were offering classes for mixed groups but we would rarely have any female sign ups. Creating a verified safe space garnered huge interest and created lasting connections and a sense of community.
How do you think more women and girls could be inspired to get involved in welding/ consider a practical career?
We formed Ore Projects, a mentoring scheme for 16-25 year olds focused on providing free hands-on skills based classes. We are a very small organisation, two people, who made Ore Projects - a scheme that’s having a massive impact. The government and big corporations have a responsibly to invest in these projects that are a lifeline to some students. We work with two SEND schools, the impact is huge.
Marginalised groups need more information and more opportunities. If you don’t have the option to do D&T at school how would you know that working with your hands is an option for you?
There needs to be more opportunities for young people to relate to female role-models, this will only happen if females have the space to become role models through a huge shift in attitudes, normalising women working in male dominated industries.
In addition to our free mentoring scheme we offer classes open to everyone, if more spaces opened up their workshops for classes and work experience, a better community would form and more young women be able to see it as a career option.
What advice would you give to a young girl who thinks she would like to do a hands-on career in engineering but doesn’t think it’s open to females?
Contact Ore projects! We are funded by Arts Council England and run a programme of free opportunities. We have a big network within the creative industry to provide work experience, free advice and classes. We would love to meet you.
If you're keen to explore more of the work behind the Ore Project Team make sure to visit Lauren and Daniel's website along with their Instagram account.
Are you inspired by these Women who weld?
Join one of our courses and find out more about learning to weld. We have a range of short, creative courses suitable for beginners. All material, Equipment and PPE is provided.
Tickets start from £99pp
