LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s an art form filled with bright light and it’s not the first time, but the third time the next generation of women got ready to compete.
It’s for the Future Women of Welding Competition hosted in Louisville by Local 502 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters.
Sophomore Madi Suter explained all the welding techniques she’s had to thread.
“I thought it would be a really good way to, like, test myself,” Suter said.
Her teacher entered the Franklin County student in the level three competition section.
“I came to this competition because he thinks I’m very skilled, and that’s why he put me in level three as a sophomore. Because most people that do compete in level three are usually juniors or seniors,” Suter said.
She’s only been a welder for approximately two years.
“I’m in a class with all the guys. I was in a class with all guys last year, too, and it’s kind of like competition, but they kind of get thrown off, and it kind of like, not scares them, but it throws them off to where they’re like, ‘Oh, I’m better than you.’ And then they realize you can, well, just as good as they can. And they’re like, ‘Oh, so she’s cool,’” Suter said.
The competition is growing. This year, 70 high school girls from across the state took part. Last year, 63 girls, and the year before about 40 girls participated.
“They’re pouring into these young women, and every one of them told me today, that, that when they bring women into the fold, that they are almost always better than the men because they analyze the situation, they’re more steady-handed,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, D-Ky. “You know, all of the things that these women bring to the table that they’ve really never had of the profession before are only helping to make it better. And so I’m really grateful that we have both men and women investing in and pouring into these high schools.”
High school girls who started young to inspire the next generation of girls.
“Do it. Do welding. It’s so it’s so much fun once you get the hang of it. It’s so much fun to do it,” Suter said.
She earned fourth place in the competition.