By Marty Rice

Marty Rice is a Welding Instructor at the Dale Jackson Career Center in Lewisville, Texas, and a frequent contributor to the pages of The World of Welding.

Sixty years ago, as American men shipped overseas to fight in WWII, women on the homefront went to the factories and shipyards. They bolted, welded, painted, assembled and did many other jobs that produced tanks, guns, and ships for the war effort. Even now, many people have heard of "Rosie the Riveter." (My Dad was in WWII and Korea, and can still sing the whole song!) After the war, most women went back to more “traditional” roles until the late 60’s and 70’s when they began assuming more male-dominated jobs and careers.

In spite of the advancements, construction and maintenance jobs such as welding are still predominately held by males. I will say I have noticed a marked increase in the numbers of women on the more recent large projects on which I have worked.  And I am seeing an increased interest in welding from female students at both the high school and college level. I’ve had several female students (I called them girls but was informed that is not "politically correct" anymore!) who have been very successful both in welding programs and in the field.

Chris Henderson was one of the best welding students I’ve had the privilege to instruct in the welding trade.

After taking Welding I & II, in which he received Student of the Month, Principal Award, SkillsUSA-VICA District First Place Skills Winner, Lincoln National Arc Welding Contest VICA and Merit Awards just to name a few, he told his girlfriend, Melanie Lambert, she ought to take my welding class. Chris was going to be my student aide and she could take the class with him.

Melanie took his advice and was an awesome student. From the very beginning, she blasted to the head of the head of the class, mastering competencies and showing she had what it takes to be a skilled craftsperson.

She was September Student of the Month and Dale Jackson Career Center's Super Student after showing an excellent work ethic, can-do attitude, skill, perfect attendance, and grades.  As if that weren't enough, she really went the second mile spending the extra money she had made on the day of the September 11th attack to purchase brooms for the shop.  She did this after hearing we couldn't order them until a later Sept. deadline.

Melanie went on to be Principal Award Winner for the semester and decided to take Welding II.  At the SkillsUSA-VICA district skills she took first place.  After district, her work ethic was unsurpassed as she practiced for the state contest, where she took 3^rd Place in what the judges told me was one of the closest contests ever.  The top three contestants were only 12 points apart.  Another girl (I mean female!) took 2^nd place. I believe this is the first time that has happened in Texas. The test included SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, plate and pipe, plasma and oxyacetylene cutting.  The contestants also had to do all of the set up for the machines.

I also have to give credit to the guys (males!) in my welding class. They were “first class” as related to their behavior in the shop. It could’ve been rough with only one girl and 17 guys, but my guys in both semesters handled themselves with honor.

Melanie’s attitude, work ethic and hard work are very symbolic of the welding trade.  The women who kept our country going during WWII would be proud of her!  I sure am!