Young women follow demand, money to train for careers in welding

After thousands of jobs were lost to COVID shutdowns, going back to school to learn a new trade was one way of moving forward for some, and it turns out more women are now flocking to skilled trades jobs once dominated by men.

Part of the day, Rajaa Johnson-Benbrik, is a nursing assistant. Now, in her second year of studying at Wake Technical Community College, she is preparing for a career in welding. "Growing up, I always liked to do things with my hands. I’m originally from Morocco, so back home there are certain trades that women cannot do," she said.

Julia Kingsley is on a similar career path and started with the same concerns about acceptance in a male-dominated field. Those reservations didn’t last long for Johnson-Benbrik or Kingsley. "Because at least everybody respects you and doesn’t really treat you too differently," said Kingsley.

Over the past several years, welding instructor Jonathan Lowery says he has seen the number of women signing up for classes almost triple. He understands why. "The demand for welders right now in the United States is so overwhelming that the American Welders Society estimates that by 2024, we are going to be short over 400,000 welders in the workforce," said Lowery.

Filling that need comes with a reward. "We’ve seen a very steady rise in wages," said Lowery.

As for the physical demands that once seemed to require the strength of males, Lowery says the job is now a bit easier with newer, safer equipment.

He says the demand is so great, many companies often help pay for their employees to become qualified welders.

What really began Johnson-Benbrik’s and Kingsley’s love for the art is simply fire, smoke and time alone. "When I get to my booth, everything else is not there," said Johnson-Benbrik. "I like to zone in so I will be able to enjoy what I’m doing."

"As long as I’m welding, I’ll be happy," said Kingsley.

Besides welding, Wake Tech also offers training in several other skilled trades jobs, all of which are currently in high demand for workers, including plumbing, electricians, construction and HVAC and refrigeration.