According to the National Careers Service, women still only account for 4% of applicants for welding jobs in the UK. West College Scotland in association with UNITE the Union recently took steps to overcome the gender gap hosting the UNITE Women into Welding 1 day Taster Course.
Appropriately held on International Women’s Day on 8th March the partnership gave 16 female learners of all ages the opportunity to try MIG (metal inert gas) welding in a safe environment. The course was aimed to encourage women to try welding as a vocation and allow them to consider whether they would like to further their knowledge through potential vocational qualifications and hopefully then furthering a career in the industry.
The event which was held at our Clydebank campus on Friday 8th March by Alex Moffat, Engineering Lecturer at West College Scotland with support from Pat Egan, Janet Dunbar and Michael Conroy from UNITE, challenged the stereotype of welding being a male dominated industry and offered women the chance to try the skills out for themselves first hand.
Although it was just a one day taster session, the attendees got to experience a wide variety of content from Health & Safety, an overview of MIG Welding, machinery and metal preparation as well as a chance to actually try their hand at welding themselves using modern MIG welding machines to produce both Butt & Fillet welds
Phil Brown, Curriculum Enhancement Lecturer, Engineering Development at WCS Clydebank said of the event,
“WCS Engineering Department in Clydebank were delighted to help UNITE members from across Scotland celebrate International Women’s day on the 8th March 2019."
He continued, "We hosted a full day MIG Welding taster course. The females showcased the skills they learned throughout the day and undoubtedly felt empowered in their flame retardant UNITE embroidered overalls and safety boots"
Janet Dunbar from UNITE was pleased with the outcome of the event commenting, “After discussions with WCS Clydebank regarding the different courses they could offer our members we were delighted that they could deliver a Welding course specifically for Women.”
She continued, “The course which aptly took place on International Women’s day on the 8th of March proved to be a great success. There was some trepidation at first but this soon changed when Alex began, the participants were given the opportunity to cover two aspects of welding which was thoroughly enjoyed.”
Janet was delighted with the relationship established with the College saying,
“Special thanks to the college in particular to Alex Moffat whose patience, tenacity and patter made this an interesting day. We look forward to working closely with the college in the future.”
