Faith's welded to a job that's not just for boys

A girl with protective glasses and red overalls wearing a dark protective hood and holding a rectangle object with "Faith" written on it. There is a large grey cannister next to her.Image source, Submitted
Image caption,

Faith at the Women in Welding event

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A girl who has been testing her welding skills says she wants to get more hands-on in a sector which is traditionally male-dominated.

Faith, 15, was one of 25 girls who took part in the Women in Welding Day event near Grimsby.

The girls looking to forge careers in the engineering sector used a simulator and welded with chocolate to learn the technique.

Faith, who is a pupil at Havelock Academy, said she used to wear sunglasses watching her dad fix things in the kitchen.

A girl seen from behind with red overalls and a dark protective hood, welding.Image source, Catch
Image caption,

Faith believes more girls should take up welding

The event was held at Catch, an industrial training provider in Stallingborough.

"Engineering has always been more male-dominated – like most things on this planet, unfortunately. So now that females are all getting into it, it's more exciting for everyone," said Faith.

Joel Broddle, head of welding and pipefitting at Catch, said the Humber's offshore windfarms and other energy supply chains all needed skilled workers.

"The renewables industry is growing fast, and it's vital to this region's future," he said.

"We're seeing strong demand for welders on offshore wind, hydrogen and other clean energy projects.

"These are careers with a future – and we want young people from Grimsby and the surrounding villages, especially girls, to see there's a place for them in it."

Faith and her fellow Havelock pupils were joined by students from Ron Dearing UTC, Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire, Somercotes Academy, Waltham Tollbar Academy, Frederick Gough School and Baysgarth School.

Mr Broddle added: "We've gone from one or two female apprentices to five this year.

"Once the girls get a go with the torch, they realise they can do it – and do it well."

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