Let's Talk Women in Welding with Tulsa Welding School: SEASON 5, EPISODE 2
MORE FROM OUR EPISODE ON Women in welding WITH
tulsa welding School
Contact TWS —
Houston, TX
243A Greens Rd.
Houston, TX 77060
tulsa welding school
Phone: (855) 237-7711
Contact TWS— Dallas, TX
700 EAST Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75062
Tulsa welding school
Phone: (855) 237-7711
Contact TWS — Tulsa, OK
2545 East 11th Street
Tulsa, OK 74104
tulsa welding school
Phone: (855) 237-7711
Contact TWS —
Jacksonville, FL
3500 Southside Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32216
tulsa welding school
Phone: (855) 237-7711
OUR GUEST ON THIS EPISODE: ELSIE REYES
Joining us on this episode is Elsie Reyes, the Director of High School Admissions for Tulsa Welding School.
Tulsa Welding School is a multi-campus technical trade school that celebrates the dreamers, the believers and the life changers. We believe that excellence lies in all of us. Our goal is to spark the fire within you, giving you the skills to earn a career as unique as you are.
Don't have time to listen? Read the transcript!
Bob: Hello and welcome to Imagine America Radio. Imagine America Radio is the service of the Imagine America Foundation and Imagine America Publishing. My name is Bob Martin. I serve as president and CEO of the Imagine America Foundation. |
Elsie: Hi, Bob, thank you for having me. Of course, let’s get started. So women often encounter a lack of representation in the skills of women. trades industry, leading to challenges in gaining visibility and recognition. To help counteract this lack of representation, Tulsa Welding School offers support and resources, specifically for women seeking out a skill trades education, including things like our current women in skill trades, scholarship, and dedicated career services. I think our audience is really going to see by the end of this program today just how committed Tulsa Welding School is to facilitating the addition of more women to move into these skill trades. |
Bob: It’s really good to hear Tulsa Welding is working so hard to clear the path for them to get into the field. What does the journey to graduation look like in these programs specifically how long are the programs at Tulsa Welding School? |
Elsie: So our welding HVAC and electrical programs can be completed in as little as seven months, equipping students with the necessary skills and qualifications to enter the workforce with confidence. It’s important to us that all students lead TWS with tangible skills as they take the next step in their journey. Our experienced instructors take hands -on approach to learning and prepare students with the foundation needed to enter the field and be successful at their chosen trade. Our programs are also crafted with input from employers across popular industries to ensure students learn the most needed skills that are in high demand. Bob: Excellent. Speaking specifically of life after graduation, what can graduates expect? Elsie: You know this is what it’s all about. We offer career and job placement assistance to help them find a job after graduation. We take great pride in our graduate success and currently have about 92 % employment rate after graduation. Our alumni have secured jobs across many industries including shipbuilding, aerospace, manufacturing, construction. construction, and so much more. You know, really kind of, if you got to put a massive structure together, it’s probably going to be that require welders to do that, do that sort of thing. Just help me put it in perspective. Bob: So let’s specifically talk welding. Can you share more with me about the career opportunities specifically for women that are interested in welding careers? Elsie: Yes. The demand for skilled welders remain high due to new construction projects, manufacturing the need for infrastructure repair across the country. This demand coupled with the skill gap as older generations retire means that graduates entering the workforce have strong career prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work in various industries. Bob: So now I’m going to ask you more of a personal question. How do you see the role of women evolving in STEM and specifically in the welding industry? Elsie: So the welding industry is increasingly recognized the unique perspectives and skill performance bringing to the table from the precision and problem solving to innovation in the welding techniques. Opportunities range from the traditional welding roles to positions and welding engineering, inspection and education. According to 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, despite 1 .3 million women working in construction, women compromise only 10 .8 % of the industry’s workforce. As the industry grows, companies are more focused on diversity, opening up even more avenues for women to excel and leave. Bob: You know Elsie, what advice would you give to women that are considering careers in in welding or skilled traders or even facing barriers when they pursue this type of career? Elsie: You know, Bob, I tell them seek out mentors and build a support network of peers and professionals that you’re filled. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Share your experiences. It take advantage of the resources designed designed to help women in STEM and in the trades. Remember, resilience and persistence are key. Your unique perspective is invaluable and your contributions can drive innovation and progress in your chosen field. Bob: Yeah, I think it’s a great opportunity. Thanks, Elsie. It’s exciting to see the growth that’s happening in the skill trades and the impact that women are having in this field. field. Before we go, can you share anything you have on the horizon at Tulsa Walding School? Elsie: Yes, of course, Bob. Two weeks ago, we celebrated Tulsa Welding School’s 75th anniversary. The morning media included remarks from the campus president, Shaleesa Powell, the CEO of Brandon Milligan, and the Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor, Leslie Osborn. The evening event was also packed full of incredible speakers from TWS family and incredible partners. Our welding competition will also be May 18th at our Dallas Irving location. Bob: You know, while that Facebook /Meta those ads are just outstanding and any of our listeners that haven’t seen them, I would really urge them to go to either the Tulsa Welding’s site or Imagine America and look through our videos and take a look at it. It’s very, very exciting what you’re doing there. |
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