From Housekeeper to Welder
One of the things I enjoy most about this series of the New Rosies is seeing exactly what kind of women weld… and Jennifer Hayes is no exception. She tells me she models part time for fun.
And even though she supported herself as a housekeeper for a few years while going to school to become a welder… it looks like this Canadian doesn’t mind getting dirty!
Here’s what she has to say about her welding career so far:
What is your job? For now I’m having a hard time finding work in Victoria and considering joining the army to put my skills to use.
What are you hobbies?
I love art welding, it is my biggest passion and would love to have a shop to go to every morning and making wonderful creations and doing little projects for others. I also enjoying painting, drawing and wood burning…. and I do modeling for fun as well. I also enjoy reading many investing books, also love all outdoor activities and once a while have a nice hot tea and drive around and explore different places : )
How long have you been welding, and what got you interested in welding?
Well I started welding when I was 18 at Victoria High School. My teacher was named Doctor Dave and he was truly the best teacher I had. I was originally wanting to be a plumber then I took the welding course and fell in love, knowing that you can manipulate metal and make anything you want. It is truly fasinating.
How did you train?
I saved all my money I went to Camosun College to take the C-Level welding course and Loved it. My intructor was always there when I had a question and was such a great support.
And what welding process do you use most?
I use MIg and Arc welding the most but love to get more into TIG welding (its way cleaner)
What kind of welding jobs have you held?
I have worked for Zapco Welding and Fabricating welding boats and working on barges as well and other little projects.
I worked for Alpine welding and fabricating making garbage dumpsters and fences plus I made christmas Decorations that are put up every year in Victoria.
What has been your biggest career challenge or work challenge to date?
I wish I could take the Fabrication course at Camosun College because I have a lot of difficultly with fabricating. I’m still working on the money part so I can attend the course…
Have you experienced discrimination as a woman welder? if YES how have you handled it? if NO, why do you think that is?
I have never been discriminated ever in my life except for the one time which was at work when I was welding. A man grabbed my ass and I was so in shock I didn’t know what to do or how to react, all I did was walk away slowly pretending like nothing happened. I then later sorta mentioned it to my fellow co workers and nothing really was said or happened. I wish I reported it to make sure that it would never happen again to another female worker… but next time I will make sure of this.
What advice would you give your 15 year old self?
I would say keep focused on what you want in life and don’t let others distract you from what you want in life and never let your boyfriend stop you from what you love doing such as being in the trades.
What advice would you give young women interested in welding as a career?
There are some males in this world that highly dislike women being in the trades and you may come across a few of them but Do Not Listen to them because as women we can do anything we put our minds to and can be very successful. The only thing that matters is what you want and if that’s being a carpenter, plumber and/or welder then reach that goal and shoot for stars because YOU CAN DO IT.
