“There’s not much representation for women in welding, and I wanted to be that representation for younger girls. I also just love that fact that we’re able to build something from the ground up and how there are different processes and components that go into it to together create a final product.” - Brittney Khong, Welding Student
Welding has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Even so, female students on Francis Tuttle Technology Center’s Reno Campus are exploring the career and aiming to change that narrative.
While the number of women in welding has increased in recent years, they made up just 5.3% of the industry as of April 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. Between the Reno Welding Program's morning and afternoon classes, a record nine of 36 students, or 25%, are women.
Giselle Rodriguez, whose goal is to work in the oil field, was inspired by her mom to enter the industry and show that women could weld, too. Now, she’s discovered a passion and something that is “like therapy for me.” Rodriguez is an adult student in her second year at Francis Tuttle. When she first started in the program, only one other woman was in her class.
“Now that there are more girls in the shop, it’s more comfortable, especially when they come up to you and ask questions,” Rodriguez said.
Both Rodriguez and Ashly Melgar, a Putnam City High School senior, expressed how supported and included they feel in the shop not only by their instructor, Richmond Hardimon, but also by their classmates. They also encourage other women interested in the field to explore the program.
“It’s a great opportunity to try something that’s uncommon,” Rodriguez said. “At first, I was iffy about it, but now I have a huge passion for it. Then there are also the job opportunities you’ll be able to get because of this specific program.”
Melgar admitted that when she started the program, she initially wanted to leave because she “only saw men” and wasn’t sure if she felt comfortable. However, her Francis Tuttle counselor, Angela Merriman, encouraged her to get out of her comfort zone and give the program more time.
“I’m glad I listened to her advice because if I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t even be here right now,” Melgar shared. “Honestly I’m glad I stayed because the guys are super supportive and we all get along really well here.”
Last year, Hardimon aimed to recruit more women to his class. At past high school career fairs, he would notice female students walking past the welding table because there were only men there.
He sent two of his Putnam City West students, Berenice Hernandez and Brittney Khong, to a career fair at their high school, where they encouraged more women to enroll in the welding program. Both now attend the program as adult students.
“I’ve always wanted to do a man’s job, even though I am a woman,” said Hernandez. “Being a woman didn’t stop me because I want to do what I want to do. In a way, I feel like it makes my personality stronger when I succeed in what other people think I can’t succeed in.”
Hardimon often notices an increased attention to detail from his female students, which leads to strong welds. Since his female students are entering a male-dominated field, he encourages them to let their skills speak for themselves.
One example is a former student who is the shop foreman at Mercer Valve. When she came to speak to current students, she shared a lot of people doubted her when her supervisor put her in the position, but she has proven her skills and earned their respect.
“I tell my students that when they get out there in the industry, they are going to have to have some tough skin,” Hardimon said. “You just hold your own, do your thing, and let your welding speak for itself. Don’t let anybody talk you down. You have the skills, so go out there and show your skills. It’s going to be a tough road, but if you really want to do this, be that trendsetter and blaze a path.”