Women in the Welding Industry: Growth, Careers & Impact

Table of Contents

• The Increasing Number of Women Entering the Skilled Trade
• Types of Welding Programs in the Philippines
  • AG&P’s Women’s Welder Program
  • NUBCW and BWI
  • TESDA
• Why Welding is a Viable Career Path
• The Impact of Female Welders in the Welding Industry
  • The Success Story of an AG&P Women’s Welder Program Graduate
• Unique Advantages Female Welders Bring

Although welding was once seen as a male-led profession, history proves that women have always had a place in it. During World War II, women took on welding jobs in factories, showing their precision and dedication. Their contributions paved the way for more inclusivity in the field.

Today, more women are becoming welders, thanks to specialized training programs and industry support. Organizations like TESDA, AG&P, and NUBCW offer welding courses that help women gain essential skills and certifications. These programs open doors to stable and well-paying careers.

The Increasing Number of Women Entering the Skilled Trade

Recent years have shown a significant increase in the number of women entering the welding industry. TESDA reported the majority of female enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to improve their employment prospects, gain valuable skills, and enhance their careers.

Types of Welding Training Programs in the Philippines

Training programs and organizations established in the Philippines aim to promote and encourage women to pursue careers in welding.

AG&P’s Women’s Welder Program: This welder program was launched in 1979 in collaboration with TESDA and has been a valuable instrument in bringing livelihood opportunities to Filipino women.

NUBCW and BWI: The National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW), in partnership with Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), organized a shielded metal arc welding training for women. This program aimed to help them earn their National Certification I (NC I).

TESDA: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has helped increase women’s participation in technical vocational education and training (TVET), especially in non-traditional fields like welding.

Why Welding is a Viable Career Path

Women in welding are not only breaking stereotypes but are also bringing unique perspectives and skills to the industry. As more educational programs and vocational training centers emphasize inclusivity, we are witnessing a growing pipeline of female welders equipped with the necessary technical knowledge and hands-on experience. 

This shift highlights the importance of the welding profession as it addresses labor shortages and provides career opportunities in both the local and international business landscape. By showcasing the well-developed skills of successful women welders, we can inspire future generations to consider welding as a viable career path, ultimately enriching the industry with their highly valued capabilities.

The Impact of Female Welders in the Welding Industry

The impact of female welders is growing and shaping the welding industry. More women are joining the field, which promotes the inevitable improvement in workplace practices. Although welding has traditionally been male-dominated, female welders bring bright ideas, establish strong teamwork, and integrate problem-solving skills. 

Marites Casao, a graduate of the AG&P and TESDA Welder Program, is a great example of how women can succeed and inspire others in this profession.

The Success Story of an AG&P Women’s Welder Program Graduate

Marites Casao, a Filipino welder, received her training through the AG&P and TESDA Welder Program. She is now among the 1,300 personnel working on a mining project in New Caledonia.

Marites Casao

A veteran filipino welder who graduated in AG&P and TESDA’s Women’s Welder Program and has been in the welding industry for 20 years.

The original photo was taken from: Atlantic Gulp & Pacific

Project Deployment in New Caledonia

Marites is among the 1,300 AG&P personnel who were deployed for onsite construction, commissioning and operations, and maintenance works for a mining project in New Caledonia.

As more women enter this field, they serve as role models for aspiring female tradespeople, demonstrating that success is attainable regardless of gender. Moreover, the growing community of female welders is fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, ultimately leading to a more robust and dynamic welding industry.

Unique Advantages Female Welders Bring

Female welders have made significant improvements in a field that has long been traditionally led by men. Their unique skill sets and approach have developed the industry as a whole. Hence, one of their biggest contributions is inspiring future generations of women to pursue and explore careers in skilled trades. By breaking barriers, these professional welders prove that talent and passion have no gender limits.

Many female welders in the Philippines and the United States bring fresh ideas and new techniques to their field of work. Their skills ultimately help improve efficiency and safety on job sites. For instance, in the Philippines, Leonides “Daisy” Borja Plaza and Shirley Alar have shown great technical ability in operating advanced welding equipment with their unique expertise. 

Meanwhile, Sarah Thompson, a welding supervisor shared her passion for her craft:

“I believe that welding is not just a job, but a way to create something beautiful out of nothing. It’s empowering to know that I have the skills to bring my ideas to life and make a lasting impact in the world”

These female welders help strengthen the welding industry. Their presence creates a more inclusive workplace, boosting morale among traditional welders and improving work quality. As they inspire more women to join the field of welding, the industry benefits from diverse perspectives, better productivity, and greater gender equality.

Conclusion

The increasing presence of women in the welding industry is reshaping perceptions and opening doors for future generations. Through specialized training programs, industry support, and the determination of female welders, barriers are being broken, proving that skill and dedication—not gender—define success in this field.

As role models like Marites Casao and other pioneering women welders continue to thrive, they inspire more women to consider welding as a viable and rewarding career. Their impactful contributions to the industry bring innovation and efficiency, ensuring a stronger and more inclusive workforce.

By embracing diversity and empowering more female welders, the industry is forging a future where opportunities are limitless for all.