Welding program celebrates graduation of first all-female cohort | The Homepage

Cohort one of two groups of high-schoolers spending one day a week learning welding last fall

The women in the first all-female cohort of Weld Scholars stand in front of the Industrial Arts Workshop studio at 5434 Herbert Way in Hazelwood. The course gave them an introduction to welding one day per week during the school day. They completed the eight-week course on Dec. 19. Photo by Murphy Moschetta

By Juliet Martinez

On Dec. 19, Industrial Arts Workshop’s first all-female class of welders celebrated completion of the eight-week Weld Scholars program.

The two Weld Scholars cohorts that Industrial Arts Workshop hosted in the fall spent eight weeks learning welding. A co-ed group met on Thursdays and the all-female group met on Fridays.

The students came from Passport Academy, Urban Pathways Charter School and City High Charter School to learn welding in Hazelwood during their school day, according to a press release from the nonprofit. Both groups got an introduction to metalworking skills, workshop safety and information about careers in the trades.

But the all-female cohort got targeted support addressing their needs as young women. The nonprofit Chicago Women in Trades trained Industrial Arts Workshop staff ahead of the course, suggesting gender-specific gear, empowerment tools, testimonials from women working in the trades, and other curriculum additions. Chicago Women in Trades is a Chicago-based nonprofit that promotes economic advancement for women through joining high-wage trades jobs traditionally held by men.

At the end of the eight weeks, the scholars filled out surveys on their experiences. All of them said they would return to Industrial Arts Workshop for more training, according to the release. They reported feeling comfortable with the welding skills they had learned, and with the safety instruction and equipment as well.

The survey results also indicated that all of the students came away from the workshop with a better understanding of what a tradeswoman is and their rights in the workplace.

The metalworking nonprofit takes a holistic approach. In addition to welding and safety skills, the instructors teach job readiness, mindfulness, design and collaboration skills.

“Overall, students reported feeling an improvement in their self-confidence, ability to work as a team, and problem-solving abilities. One student reported that after this workshop, they have become a better problem-solver,” stated the release. It noted that the organization plans to run more all-female cohorts as part of its 2026 programing.

The Industrial Arts Workshop studio at 5434 Herbert Way in Hazelwood offers after-school and summer classes in addition to the Welding Scholars program during the school day. For more information on welding programs for youth and adults, visit iawpgh.org.