Weld Like a Girl! Welding is not just a man’s career!
The construction industry and welding has always been a male dominated career path but more women are joining the profession and finding a rewarding career from it. In the UK 47% of the workforce is female, however, only 12% work in engineering. At the same time, the UK has a shortfall of 59,000 engineers a day. Meaning there are some great opportunities out there in this industry. In the welding sector women still only make up 4% of applicants for welding jobs, this was because of the unequal pay conditions. Over the past three years this has been closed so that men and women are closely matched. So why is there still a shortage?
Many girls leave school still seeing welding as a male profession. Even through many girls gain qualifications in maths, science and technology, which are the basic requirements for a welding job. Girls are not encouraged into careers in the engineering sector. There is also traditionally negative comments and harassment towards female welders from their male counterparts. In spite of popular conception, welding is not always a tough, dirty or dangerous job. Not all welding takes place outdoors or at great heights. In fact, welding can be a very creative skill, like art.
Being a woman brings its advantages when it comes to welding. Women have greater hand stability, with research showing that, on average, total fluctuation is 1.3 times greater in men than woman. Women have a lower centre of gravity, so they can stay balanced. With large amounts of work done above ground, you need to maintain a perfect posture and stay balanced. You also have to be agile and flexible. Women excel here and surpass men. Women also take better care of their health and wear the correct protective clothing for the job. Women welders have less injuries and fewer respiratory issues from welding.
Welding could be your next career move and we have a great opportunity for anyone looking to get into the welding industry with our brand new technical engineering centre in London. You will be able to join our welding course and learn how to weld from top industry professionals from our partners at Betterweld. Go to: https://free2learn.org.uk/welding-course-london/ to register today!
