Exploring Why Girls Enroll in Welding Courses at Clintonville High School

Abstract

Traditionally welders have been male, but there has been a rise in the number of women who are entering construction and trades roles, including welding. More girls are taking welding in high school and in vocational school, yet women still only make up around 6% of welders working in the U.S. today. This study uses a qualitative interview of five high school girls to ask them why they are taking and persisting in completing welding courses at Clintonville High School and how this has impacted their perception of welding as a career for females. This data is then extrapolated to find recommendations for schools to increase the number of girls taking welding courses. Overall, it was determined that girls need to: 1) see other girls taking welding courses to make the decision to take the course themselves; 2) once they are in the course the curriculum needs to have an emphasis on small accomplishable projects to keep the students interested; 3) make sure there are field trips to companies that have female welders; and 4) have female welders come into the class to have girls see welding as a possible career pathway for them.