Women picked over men for welding jobs

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio—It takes a lot of skill to work with metal, but instructor Ryan Eubank says an unexpected group is sparking interest at the Willoughby-Eastlake Technical Center: women.

“They are pretty much my best welders I ever have,” said welding instructor Ryan Eubank. “They listen to direction very well and their hand-eye coordination is impeccable.”

In an industry typically dominated by men, Eubank says women are the ones who shine.

“To see the job opportunities that females have in the workforce: It’s endless,” he said. “They will get the first job opportunity over any man out there.”

The tech school sees hundreds of students a year. Only a few women join the welding program.

Jessica Huffman is like many of the hundreds of students who join the classroom.

“I went to college, and I hated it,” she said. “I finished up my degree. I had electives. I wanted to learn something with what I enjoy, and that’s motor sports.”

The 19-year-old is finishing up with the program, and already has a job offer—in Hollywood.

“My end of the deal is motor sports,” Huffman said. “That’s why TIG welding is more of my thing because it can integrate more into the motor head end of it.

Each student has a different goal–not without a few setbacks.

“Last year, especially in the beginning of the year, if I picked up a bigger piece of metal,” said 17-year-old Erika Hartman. “I’d have classmates saying, ‘Are you sure you can pick that up?'”

It’s an unusual career choice, offering these women infinite possibilities.

“Welding can take you anyplace in the world because it’s in high demand,” said Elizabeth Henry, a recent graduate of the program. “If you’re a good welder, you can go anywhere you want to.”

Henry had worked in Australia this past year. The 20-year-old said she intends to go back to the country—something she never expected she’d do in her life.

“Australia is amazing, so eventually I want to get back there and see the continent of Australia cause it’s gorgeous,” she said.