When you close your eyes and envision a welder, what do you see? Thanks to television and movies many people have an image of welders as tough, scruffy and large men. Did anyone picture a 5-foot, 2-inch, 115-pound woman? Did anyone picture a woman at all?
You may be asking why it matters what image a welder has. It is important because as experienced welders retire, a growing skills gap is making it more difficult for the industry to find qualified replacement welders. Who is going to fill those jobs? Is the skewed image of a welder discouraging women from pursuing a career in welding?