Why Women in Welding Are the Future of the Skilled Trades

Can women thrive in welding and reshape the future of skilled trades? Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, joins Andrew Brown to reveal how virtual welding training, mentorship, and SkillsUSA welding competitions are transforming opportunities in the trades. Shanen is a certified welding inspector, educator, and fabricator who’s helping the next generation break barriers in the trades industry. From second graders in shop class to Gen Z apprentices, she proves why representation, tech, and early exposure matter more than ever. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ◼️ Why women in welding are breaking stigmas and finding real career success ◼️ How early exposure (shop classes & mentors) shapes the future of tradespeople ◼️ The role of virtual welding training, gamification, and simulators in education ◼️ What SkillsUSA welding competitions teach beyond technical skills ◼️ How mentorship and representation fuel creativity, problem-solving, and growth Timestamps: 00:00 – Why skilled trades careers matter + stigma facing women in welding 04:35 – The role of mentors, counselors, and encouragement for women in trades 12:20 – Early exposure: shop classes, welding education, and community colleges 22:50 – Tech sparks interest: virtual welding training & gamification 35:30 – Mentorship, teamwork, and craftsmanship in trades education 52:15 – SkillsUSA welding: sculpture judging, soft skills, and industry standards About Shanen Aranmor Founder of Weld Like a Girl, Shanen is a certified welding inspector and educator based in Yuma, AZ. She develops welding education programs for schools, veterans, and youth, while advocating for women in welding and building pathways into skilled trades careers. Follow Shanen: LinkedIn:   / shanenaranmor   Website: https://weldlikeagirl.us/ 📱 FOLLOW ME FOR MORE: TikTok →   / andrewbrowntrades   Instagram →   / andrewbrowntrades   LinkedIn →   / andrew-brown-b1736a5   Website → https://andrewbrown.net Support the Show: If this episode inspires you, consider supporting the podcast here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/pro... Every dollar helps us bring more unfiltered conversations from the trades straight to you.