By Dr. Payel Dutta Chowdhury, Marketing and Communications Content Specialist – Asia, Africa & Oceania – for the American Welding Society
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
(Maya Angelou, “And Still I Rise”)
Women’s career choice has always been subject to many debates and apprehensions. Gender roles and societal norms have led to the appropriation of gender specific careers. Various social institutions, specifically the family and the community, play a prominent role in earmarking suitable/unsuitable professions for women. In many cultures, gender norms for women restrict them to the private sphere, limiting their career choices in the process. In situations where they are allowed entry to the public sphere, apprehensions and restrictions exist in selection of careers. While concerns of work-life balance, conceiving children and taking care of the family form the basis of regulation of women’s career, other factors such as safety and health (particularly related to childbearing) also work against the freedom of professional calling. Of course, such gendered notions of career choices are fluid across space and time and undergo rapid changes. What however remains constant is the association of women’s supposed bodily limitations, health, and safety to the choice of profession. Such gender stereotypes in the selection of career are not limited to any specific country or region and can be witnessed even in developed nations. Gender stereotypes in career choices are transmitted through various media and promote gender prejudice and discrimination. It also leads to self-doubt in women and impact their career choices. This article outlines the different aspects of gender stereotyping and their impact on women’s career choices and career progressions. It critically engages with concerns related to gender studies and highlights the importance of developing gender-neutral career choices in contemporary times. The article focuses particularly on welding as a career for women, the associated myths and information gaps, and highlights the various professional offerings available for women to start their career in the welding industry. The definite attention of the study on welding as a career for women stems from the fact that it is one of those professions which has always been regarded as a man’s domain. The article courses through an examination of the reasons for such an assumption and makes an attempt to debunk the stereotypes and myths related to welding. It then sketches out the historical perspective of women in the welding industry in order to understand the contemporary changes in cultural scenario with respect to welding as a career for women. Finally, the article delineates the wide spectrum of scope available in today’s world for women to take up welding as a career while confuting the myths surrounding it.
Welding – A Man’s Job?
A person dressed in a flame-resistant clothing, with long sleeved shirts and pants, helmet and gloves, is what comes immediately to our mind when we think of a welder. A welding professional is usually engaged in assembling pieces of metal or repairing damage in components using heavy machinery that emits high heat, melting the metals into shape. It is not surprising that in our mind’s eye the individual occupied in such a job is invariably a man. This idea stems from the association of gender segregation in jobs from the time of early human civilization. The history of the Stone Age highlights the involvement of women alongside men in hunting and gathering food. Gradually, women had additional domestic responsibilities, but in the “primitive division of labour, the two sexes constituted in a way two classes, and there was equality between these classes. While man hunts and fishes, woman remains in the home; but the tasks of domesticity include productive labour – making pottery, weaving, gardening – and in consequence woman plays a large part in economic life” (Beauvoir 85). Over time, however, women were relegated to the private sphere alone and their work was regarded as “trifling auxiliary” (Beauvoir 85). In this context, it is easy to understand the gradual normalization of gender segregation of work. Several centuries later and with manifold developments in human society, gender stereotypes in career still exists. Several studies suggest that women who work “in skilled trade occupations confront various barriers which contribute to poor experience and early resignation” (Bridges et al 1). Smith and Kim in their study have also highlighted that “women are often stereotyped as not being strong enough, or smart enough to perform male gendered occupations, or simply do not want to be negatively stereotyped as masculine”.
Welding is one of those industries which is typically classified as a man’s world. The history of welding goes back several millennia. In the Bronze and Iron Ages in Europe and the Middle East, when welding was more of a manual job, it gained the status of a ‘man’s job’ requiring physical strength, courage, and toughness. In his famous work, The Histories, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus claims that Glaucus of Chios “was the man who single-handedly invented iron welding” (Herodotus, trans. Waterfield 25). With the passage of time in the Middle Ages, advances in forge welding came to the forefront, which involved blacksmiths pounding heated metal repeatedly until bonding occurred. Such kind of imagery involving socially accepted masculine traits resulted in designating welding as a career to the male territory. Safety issues in the welding job added to its unpopularity as a career choice for women. Several centuries later and with technological interventions changing the very outlook of welding, there are still apprehensions on regarding welding as a lucrative and satisfying career for women. Stereotypical belief systems and values result in women and their families not to explore the so-called man’s jobs which can in reality prove to be gratifying career choices.
Debunking Stereotypes and Myths about Welding
The profession of welding is associated with several stereotypes and myths which may be ascribed to the lack of knowledge about this specific domain. It is rightly opined that “(o)ffering more education around what welding entails as a position could encourage more interest from more people, showing women that they could comfortably fit themselves into these hands-on roles” (We Are Tech Women). Myths such as all welders are construction workers, welders can only weld outdoors, welders are uneducated and do not require a degree, and welding is always messy and dirty (Welding Academy) exist even in today’s time. To add to these myths, welding is categorized as a ‘man’s job’. This gender stereotyping of welding as a career rings a bell of familiarity with several other domains. Various kinds of sports, for instance have been labelled as ‘men’s only’ for a very long time. Swimming, football, wrestling, boxing, hockey, etc. were male-dominated sports and were associated with gender norms of masculinity. While social standards of femininity did not approve women getting into these supposed male domains, the very thought of them getting into the realm of ‘muscular’ feats seemed impossible due to their ‘bodily limitations’. These thought processes are however things of the past and we see several women excelling in all these sports in today’s time. With gender neutralization gaining grounds in every other sphere, it is high time we open our hearts and minds and accept that women can undertake any job and deliver the same results as men can. It is seen that there is a strong belief that welding can be done only by men as the associated jobs require manual and physical work. Now, this is of course a figment of patriarchal imagination stemming from age-old inhibitions and restrictive social norms. It is a well-known fact that in all agricultural societies of the past as well as the present, women and men are seen working hand in hand to get the required jobs done. It is not true that welding is exclusively a man’s world. In fact, the profession has no association with gender-specific requirements; the strength, coordination, and craftsmanship that welding require can be pulled off perfectly by both men and women. We see a growing number of women taking up welding as a career, resulting in a slow but steady rise in percentage of women involved in welding, soldering, and brazing. The associated gender stereotyping and myths are gradually becoming obsolete in today’s time with workplaces tending to be more inclusive, paving the path for more women to choose welding as their desired career option.
Women in Welding – A Historical Perspective
Despite being considered a man’s territory and associated with masculine traits, the welding profession has seen several women involved in the job over a long period of time. The best example of women in welding could probably be seen during the two World Wars when men across the world had to take part in the wars and women were pushed to take the place of husbands and sons. The absence of men in every field, including the mechanical and metallurgical ones, had to be filled by women. Despite the patriarchal attitude of those times, in that period of emergency “women played critical roles in their support of public transport and services in general. Women clerks and workers supported the mechanical and war industries to manufacture weapons, equipment and military technology” (Targa and Crocco 2). With scarce or no knowledge of welding, women performed various jobs equivalent to their male counterparts. Due to huge state investments in military, the industrial segments required women to weld and cut metals for arms, ammunition, as well as for land and naval means of transportation. Women working in the ammunition factories in England during the First World War, where oxyacetylene welding was employed in the finishing of bombs and torpedoes, were nicknamed ‘Munitionettes’ as they worked amidst high risk of health and safety. Targa and Crocco provide an interesting example of women in welding by reflecting on the Sopwith Aviation Company based in Kingston upon Thames, UK. They highlight that “(b)etween 1914 and 1918 more than 13,000 aeroplanes were produced, including the famous Sopwith Camel fighter aircraft” (Targa and Crocco 4) pointing out that most of the workforce there was women. The period of the WW1 also saw the establishment of the ‘Society of Women Welders’ in 1916 in England which was committed to better the working and economic conditions of women welders in large industries. However, with the end of the war and the return of the male workforce, women were sacked from the industrial sectors. The inter-war period saw a drastic change in the methodologies employed for welding. Arc welding was introduced and widely used in the USA and England. The outbreak of WW2 required high production cycles that only continuous wire welding could assure. The period also saw automatic plants making oxyacetylene cuts of metals (Targa and Crocco 7). The Second World War again brought women to the forefront of welding, but this time they were more confident and need not prove their capabilities to any doubtful minds. It has been recorded that “women made up 65% of the industrial workforce at the height of World War II in 1943, and many of them were recruited into the welding industry, replacing the men shipped overseas to fight. They helped build vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other equipment required for the war effort” (PrimeWeld). This fascinating body of workforce garnered worldwide attention and were frequently called “female army without arms”, “soldiers without guns”, “wonder women” and so on. Women welders like Peggy Citarella from Somerville (Massachusetts) and Miss Gladys Theus stand out for their efficiency and talent at welding during this period. A new female model of women workers employed in skilled and tiring jobs, categorized as ‘men’s works’ in the past, was represented in a song titled “Rosie the Riveter” composed by Redd Evans and John Loeb in 1942. This new symbol for women also inspired the literature of the period. Various books, such as “Don’t Call Me Rosie: The Women Who Welded the LSTs and the Men Who Sailed on Them” by Kathleen Thomas, the noir fiction autobiography “Zelda the Welder” by Zelda Brecht, Margaretta Jolly’s letter collection “Dear Laughing Motorbike: Letters from Women Welders of the Second World War”, and the “Shipyard diary of a woman welder” by Augusta Clawson, highlight the stupendous work of women welders during WW2.
Women in Welding – A Changing Cultural Scenario
A reflection on the female workforce in welding profession during the World Wars showcase that women in the long past have been breaking gender stereotypes in career. More and more women are pursuing careers in welding at present even though there still exists misconceptions and myths about welding being a man’s domain. Niranjana Ajith, a Product Specialist – Welding Simulation, working with Skillveri Training Solutions Pvt Ltd. is one of those few women in India who has proved that welding is definitely for anyone who loves the profession. She has been a part of the team that developed the Welding Simulator, a first-of-its-kind initiative that helps learners to study welding pretty easily (Devika Rani). In today’s time, women are seen to hold various roles in the welding industry, such as that of welders, welding inspectors, welding engineers, and so on in the construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and many more sectors. There is a gradual growth in the numbers of women who pursue welding degrees in educational institutions and undergo specialized training programmes. Many of these institutions offer scholarships particularly to female students. It is also seen that various advocacy groups, mentorship programmes, and campaigns are increasingly promoting gender inclusivity in welding. Companies too are seen implementing gender diversity and inclusion initiatives to attract and retain talented women welders. This positive cultural scenario is motivating women welders to receive more awards and honours for their skills which act as inspiration for aspiring talents.
Inspirational movements, such as “Weld Like a Girl” promotes a “supportive community for female welders, providing networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources to help women succeed and overcome challenges in the welding industry” (Ant Weld Cleaner). Such movements help in doing away with gender stereotypes in skilled trades, paving the path for women to pursue their dream careers with passion. “Women Who Weld” is another supportive organization that provides comprehensive training programmes, workshops, hands-on instruction and mentoring to women to equip them with technical skills and confidence to shine in the welding industry. Such organizations work towards promoting gender diversity and create opportunities for women to start their career and progress in welding.
The changed socio-cultural scenario has resulted in the increase in women welders in the industry. This is a positive trend which will definitely transform the welding industry in a better way in the future. Welton Josh rightly opines that “Women are equally capable of welding well. Not better, not worse. They have the same potential as men to hone hand/eye coordination and develop muscle memory”. It is believed that women are endowed with certain natural skills that make them well-suited for jobs in welding. Several qualities, such as their attention to detail, patience, precision, excellent hand-eye coordination, problem-solving ability, strong communication and collaboration skills make them apt for welding jobs (Ant Weld Cleaner). Additionally, Roeckel highlights that “women’s lower center of gravity aids in maintaining balance and posture in demanding welding positions”. In the present scenario, the role of women workforce in welding is becoming more significant and their contributions are critical in the growth of the industry; it had been estimated that “by the year 2022 there will be a shortage of welders. So having women join this industry would be a good boost for it” (Industry Today). The only requirement is creating awareness in women about the multifarious possibilities that the welding industry holds for them.
Opportunities for Career in Welding – AWS Certifications and Educational Initiatives
With a socio-cultural shift towards gender neutral careers, it is high time that women who love to debunk stereotypes and enjoy the satisfaction of being in skilled professions, explore the fascinating world of welding. Industry pioneer, Sue Silverstein, in an interview, highlighted the benefits of women taking up welding as a career and stated that “The work itself is actually quite exhilarating. In fact, welding is a demanding and stimulating profession that offers its practitioners the opportunity to master a wide variety of skills” (AIRGAS Thinks). In this context, it is essential to explore opportunities that provide a great head-start for careers in welding and enable professionals to make progression in their jobs. We will outline some of the most beneficial certification programmes and educational initiatives offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) which will definitely prove to be the most apt stepping stones for careers in welding. “Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission – to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying” (www.aws.org).
I. Certification Programs:
1. Certified Welding Inspector – The AWS Certified Welding Inspector credential is one of the welding industry’s most recognized certifications. In fact, CWIs are highly regarded and sought after throughout the welding industry. Becoming a CWI means that you have demonstrated the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to earn this prestigious credential. Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other specification; handle qualification records; oversee non-destructive testing; and ensure proper materials are available during testing. CWIs must demonstrate a keen attention to detail along with other requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, and are often considered the safety nets that catch potentially catastrophic mistakes. This means that CWIs must be familiar with welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials, and weld testing limitations, as well as how to read blueprint drawings, prepare and keep records, prepare and make reports, and make responsible judgments. By employing or contracting CWIs, hiring organizations can improve safety, reduce risk, and meet the technical criteria and standards developed and updated by AWS industry experts.
2. Senior Certified Welding Inspector – The Senior Certified Welding Inspector expands on the education, knowledge and experience of the CWI and can solve more complicated weldment issues. The SCWI exam was developed by the AWS to provide an opportunity to the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) who seeks to expand their career. SCWI candidates typically will have supplemented their basic education or gained extensive problem-solving experience. This type of background provides them with a deeper and more specific understanding of advanced NDE topics, quality assurance systems, procedure qualifications, and personnel and project management knowledge, skills, and abilities.
3. Certified Welding Educator – The Certified Welding Educator certification validates an educator’s proficiency in teaching welding principles, safety procedures, and hands-on techniques gained through a blend of formal education, experience, and comprehensive examination. This credential bolsters the career path of educators, trainers, and instructors, and boosts the credibility of institutions involved in welding training. The CWE plays a pivotal role in ensuring the excellence and integrity of welding practices across various industries, nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.
4. Certified Welding Engineer – The role of the Welding Engineer is critical to the integrity of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery, and products that require welds. The Welding Engineer can direct those operations associated with weldments and other types of joints that are completed by the appropriate contract documents, codes, and other standards to produce a satisfactory product. The welding engineer’s activities begin before production or construction welding and continue through the production process, ending when the production process is complete. The American Welding Society Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng) certification is among the best and respected in the industry. A Certified Welding Engineer is a skilled professional who combines welding engineering principles to create strong, efficient welded structures, components, or products. With a deep understanding of design, materials, processes, and quality requirements, they carefully select and apply suitable materials and techniques to meet specific conditions outlined in drawings, standards, and contracts. Their expertise manages the interplay of skill and science in the world of welding.
5. Certified Welding Supervisor – The AWS Certified Welding Supervisor program confirms supervisors have the necessary skills, training, and knowledge to lead their team to work even more productively and successfully. A CWS gains valuable recognition and experience that can expand their career, result in higher career long income, improve job security, and offer professional prestige that marks their skills and knowledge as among the industry’s elite. Welding Supervision is all about overseeing the quality, productivity, cost, and safety of welding projects. A Welding Supervisor, armed with expertise ranging from safety measures to economics, is an indispensable part of any industry where welding is used. The AWS Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) Program defines the minimum standards for Welding Supervisors and provides a means of recognition for those who demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge, and experience in the field of welding management
6. Certified Radiographic Interpreter – Radiographic testing is the traditional method of non-destructive examination of welds to determine whether they comply with the acceptance criteria in an industry specification. However, much depends on how the radiographic images are generated and if they do not meet strict quality standards the interpretation of those images becomes useless. These challenges require the Certified Radiographic Interpreter to become knowledgeable in most all aspects of the exposure of welds to x-ray radiation and to recognize when film exposures are outside accepted limits for radiographic quality. The CRI must also recognize how indications on a film image can be interpreted as weld discontinuities and to size them to determine ultimate acceptance of rejection.
7. Certified Resistance Welding Technician – Resistance welding is a robust process employed in automobile and appliance manufacturing. It creates strong, long-lasting welds by combining heat, time, and pressure, using sophisticated, high-value equipment managed by skilled technicians and engineers. One such professional is the Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT), a certification co-developed by the American Welding Society and the Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance (RWMA). This certification showcases a technician’s expertise in resistance welding principles, processes, and equipment, achieved through relevant education, experience, and examination. The CRWT certification is valuable to individual professionals like welders, engineers, and quality control managers, and can also enhance the credibility and skill set of teams within companies operating in a resistance welding environment.
8. Certified Robotic Arc Welding – The CRAW program from AWS provides a unique opportunity for welding professionals measure their skills against industry standards. By obtaining the CRAW certification, you not only demonstrate your ability to program a robot to deliver an acceptable weld, but also your commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving welding industry. Required re-examination or proof of active practice every three years ensures that CRAW-certified Operators and Technicians remain at the current in their field.
9. Certified Welding Sales Representative – Welding sales involves the transaction of welding equipment, products, or services between fabricators, manufacturers, and buyers or distributors. Welding Sales Representatives are the vital link in this process, building and nurturing relationships between manufacturers and their customer base, providing technical support and guidance, and keeping clients informed of new technologies that can enhance welding processes. They might have direct welding experience, or they may have cultivated an interest in the industry through various means. The Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR) credential, offered by AWS, validates a sales professional’s skills and knowledge in welding product sales, making them a trusted source of technological, welding product, and sales distribution information. CWSRs (Certified Welding Sales Representative) not only provides clients with welding consumable and equipment solutions but also prepares and submits bid packages, mentor personnel on welding products, and troubleshoot welding-related issues.
II. Online Educational Library:
The American Welding Society offers an exhaustive ‘Online Educational Library’ which is designed to meet the needs of Welding students and instructors. Developed by AWS subject matter experts and learning professionals, these online courses feature engaging multimedia content that stimulates learning and long-term retention. Brief modules, learner-centered navigation, 24/7 any time anywhere any device access (Laptop, Tablets, Phones) LMS are included which help instructors to assign tasks track student’s progress.
III. Online Code Clinics:
These courses provide a detailed road map through respective code clinics led by an experienced AWS instructor (online), participants will learn to quickly locate salient clauses and use important tables and figures in time-sensitive testing or working environments. This comprehensive, 4-hour course features detailed, easy-to-understand explanations as well as interactive questions, quizzes, and a final exam designed to help participants prepare for the code book certification exam.
IV. Endorsements:
Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs). Endorsements document an individual’s additional knowledge, skill, or ability. Below are the available endorsement certifications that AWS offers:
D1.1 Structural Steel; D1.2 Structural Aluminium; D1.5 Bridge Welding; D15.1 Railroad; D17.1 Aerospace; API 1104 Pipeline; Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement; Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement; Magnetic Particle Testing (MT Dry Powder Yoke Method); Penetrant Testing (PT Type II- Method C); ASME BPVC Section IX, Power (B31.1) and Process (B31.3) Piping; ISO Standards Endorsement
V. Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum:
The AWS Fundamentals of Welding Curriculum is a turnkey collection of print and digital educational resources designed to equip instructors and professionals with learning tools to teach students. Developed in partnership with industry experts and educational professionals, the curriculum aligns with the governing standards and is an effective option for in-person and virtual learning.
While welding is increasingly being regarded as a gender-neutral career and more and more women are choosing the welding industry for their preferred jobs, it becomes important to highlight that the certification programs and educational initiatives outlined above do not have gender role requirement. It is a fact that “(s)ince women can perform an incredible job in this trade, encouraging girls to consider welding as a career can help reduce our labor shortage while helping to diversify the workforce” (Ad Process Equipment). Changing perspectives with respect to welding as a career is sure to bring in more success stories to the welding industry and fulfil the dreams of those women interested in the specialized skill of welding, in creativity and design. What Oscar Wilde wrote several years ago, is indeed true for women in welding – “Give women the right opportunities and they are capable of everything”.
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