Women in Welding: Breaking Barriers in Skilled Trades Careers with Shanen Aranmor

Women in Welding: Breaking Barriers in Skilled Trades Careers with Shanen Aranmor

Author: Andrew Brown September 17, 2025 Duration: 1:03:48
The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
BusinessCareersEducationEntrepreneurshipHow To

Women in welding, skilled trades careers, and welding education programs take center stage. Shanen Aranmor of Weld Like a Girl joins host Andrew Brown to explore virtual welding training, SkillsUSA welding, and how mentorship and early exposure shape the next generation of tradespeople.

Host Andrew Brown sits down with Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, to discuss breaking stigmas in the trades industry and opening doors to rewarding skilled trades careers. From welding education programs and virtual welding training to SkillsUSA welding competitions, Shannon shares actionable ways to inspire tradespeople—from second graders to Gen Z apprentices.

Whether you’re interested in carpentry, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, or millwrights, this episode reveals how craftsmanship, problem-solving, and creativity fuel career growth in the skilled trades.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • (00:00) – Why skilled trades careers matter and the stigma facing women in welding
  • (04:35) – Encouragement, guidance counselors, and role models for women in welding
  • (12:20) – Early exposure: shop classes, welding education programs, and community colleges
  • (22:50) – Tech that sparks interest: virtual welding training, gamification, and simulators
  • (35:30) – Homeschool competitions, mentorship, teamwork, and craftsmanship
  • (52:15) – Inside SkillsUSA welding: sculpture judging, soft skills, and employer expectations

Key Takeaways

  • Exposure changes everything. Kids can’t pursue skilled trades careers if they’ve never seen welding booths, tools, or shop classes.
  • Representation is powerful. Role models show that women in welding belong in the trades industry.
  • Tech builds bridges. Virtual welding training creates safe and scalable on-ramps for students and schools.
  • Soft skills matter. SkillsUSA welding competitions reward teamwork, communication, and professionalism as much as technical skills.

About the Guest

Shanen Aranmor, founder of Weld Like a Girl, is a certified welding inspector, educator, and fabricator based in Yuma, AZ. She develops welding education programs for schools, veterans, and youth, advocates for women in welding, and champions pathways into skilled trades careers.

Keywords

Women in Welding, Skilled Trades Careers, Welding Education Programs, Virtual Welding Training, SkillsUSA Welding, Shanen Aranmor, Weld Like a Girl, Andrew Brown, Michael Krupnicki, Skilled Trades, Trades Industry, Carpentry, HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Millwrights, Construction, Craftsmanship, Problem-Solving, Creativity, Tradespeople, Advocacy, Education, Skilled Trades Advisory Council, Industry Experts, Contractors, Toolfetch, SkillsUSA

Resources

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanenaranmor/

Website: https://weldlikeagirl.us/

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There's a quiet revolution happening in the workforce, one built on the sound of a hammer, the hum of a saw, and the satisfaction of a job done with your own hands. The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades is a conversation about that shift, guided by Andrew Brown. This isn't just a technical manual; it's a deep exploration of the craft, business, and profound personal fulfillment found in skilled trades. Andrew draws from his own journey through hands-on work and entrepreneurship to frame discussions that are as much about building a life as they are about building things. Each episode connects the dots between practical skill, viable career paths, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive independently. You'll hear from seasoned professionals who share their hard-won wisdom, alongside discussions on navigating the business side of trades, from client relations to financial stability. The goal is to elevate the conversation around these essential careers, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight the creativity, critical thinking, and dignity inherent in skilled work. Tune into this podcast for honest stories, actionable advice, and a renewed appreciation for the foundational crafts that shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

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The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
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