Welding lights a spark among women

In the heart of the Palouse at the University of Idaho, where the rolling hills meet the endless sky, a group of trailblazers is remaking the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated industry — welding.

Alongside the radiant glow of molten metal, a sisterhood of aspiring welders is breaking stereotypes, one precision weld at a time. With determination, skill and a passion for the craft, women in the welding industry are proving gender should never be something that blocks someone from pursuing a career.

In a heavily male field, women are starting a spark and are changing the industry. They are breaking boundaries pushed on them while being told they do not belong in the welding industry.

Despite significant strides, sexism remains a persistent challenge in the welding industry. Women and men in the field at the University of Idaho highlight the need to challenge preconceived notions and advocate for equal treatment. Marvin Heimgartner, a UI instructor and adviser for students majoring in ASM (agricultural systems management) since 2011, emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and provides equal opportunities for all aspiring welders.

“I see a bright future for the women I teach,” Heimgartner said. “All of them are full of passion and are driven.”

Navigating the challenges of the welding industry often entails overcoming systemic obstacles and stereotypes. Jack McHargue, a retired UI professor, sheds light on the historical disparities and emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and support for women in the field.

“I’ve been welding since 1970,” McHargue said. “In that time, I have only met two women welders. Both could have outwelded me any day of the week.”

McHargue said a lot of women started picking up welding during World War II, when 16 million American men went off to fight. Women stepped up and started taking on more jobs traditionally done by men.

According to The Welder, a woman-inclusive news company that writes about female welders, only 7.7% of the welding industry is made up of women.

Despite the hurdles, they remain resilient and determined, advocating for increased representation and equal opportunities. Women’s collective efforts are paving the way for future generations of female welders to thrive and excel in the field.

“As a woman welder, I’m doing it to show other women they can do welding,” said Isabella Reichstein, a sophomore at UI who studies recreation, sports and tourism management. “It’s not just a man’s world when it comes to welding.”

For many women in the field, their passion for welding transcends societal expectations. Alison Cizek loves the art of welding, citing the sense of accomplishment and creativity it offers.

“Welding allows a woman to put everything behind her and allows her to truly be herself,” Cizek said.

Makenna Dewitt, a UI junior majoring in agricultural education, agreed, emphasizing the satisfaction from the hands-on nature of the work and the opportunity to bring ideas to life through metal fabrication.

“The power you feel controlling an arc welding is something you cannot explain,” Dewitt said.

The empowerment derived from arc welding transcends the workshop and permeates all aspects of lives. The welding lab is where UI welders spend most of their day. This is a place they feel comfortable and empowered.

“The lab at U of I is one the places I feel the safest,” Cizek said. “Marvin (Heimgartner) makes it feel like a second home.”

The confidence gained from mastering a skill as intricate and demanding as welding seeps into personal and professional endeavors, instilling a sense of self-assurance and resilience that propels them forward in their careers and beyond.

“I feel like any of my female students could weld just as well as any other student,” Heimgartner said. “Welding is not gender-specific.”

Abizai Suarez, a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in agricultural education, is committed to supporting women in welding. He envisions a future where girls can pursue welding aspirations without barriers or limitations.

“As an ag education teacher, I want to support any girl in my class who wants to become a welder,” said Suarez.

Suarez not only serves as a mentor and advocate, he creates a caring environment where aspiring female welders can thrive and excel.

His determination to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere underscores the transformative impact of mentorship and advocacy, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse future in the welding industry.

Suarez exemplifies the influence that educators can have in shaping the goals and achievements of aspiring female welders, paving the way for a more equal and empowering workspace within the agricultural and welding communities.

UI offers two welding courses — ASM 107 and ASM 407. Both are recommended for students who want to get into welding and build their skill in that field.

“The power that women feel from wielding an arc welder goes far beyond the sparks and metal,” Cizek said. “It’s a testament to their unwavering determination, resilience and ability to defy expectations.”

Through the act of welding, they not only shape and mold metal but also mold their own narratives, leaving a legacy of strength, empowerment and inspiration. The odds may be against them, but women pursuing welding hope that it becomes their future.

“There will always be negative people that will constantly say that women can’t weld,” Suarez said, “but there is a community of women that says otherwise.”

Rudner is a UI sophomore from Filer, Idaho, who is majoring in agricultural education with a minor in journalism.