WOMEN IN WELDING Jade Anderson


Jade Anderson is an inspiration to all that hard work and persistence really does pay off. Now a welding co-ordinator with Foodmek, Jade originally started as a welder and has already earned a promotion. Foodmek produce a wide range of fabrication work, mainly for the food and


drink industry. They manufacture food processing machinery, conveyors, filling machines, cooking / mixing vessels and access platforms. They also work with pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and many other industries. Despite her progress, Jade’s career goals aren’t about attaining a certain position - but more about becoming the best she


8 / WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 02 - APRIL 2021


possibly can be. She is always aiming to improve her skills and enjoys the variety of jobs her employer gives her. Jade loves helping others out too, tweeking little bits here and there to improve other welders skills. Welding is a passion of hers and she pledges never to give up chasing that perfect weld! Speaking to Welding World, Jade said: “I’ve been very lucky in my welding journey. When I started off in college I was accepted and encouraged by both students and teachers. I did have a couple of issues with one or two people but they soon realised I was good at welding and backed off. “College was where I passed my first weld test and obtained a coding. Aſter college I tried looking for a job and never really got anywhere even though I was coded. A few companies were worried about my size rather than gender. I also got laughed at by some companies as they thought I was pulling a prank. I then decided to look for an apprenticeship instead. “I was finally given a chance to prove myself, and earned a four year apprenticeship with a fabrication company, but unfortunately the company shut down half way through and I was back searching again. That’s when I found Foodmek.” Foodmek agreed to let Jade finish her apprenticeship with them, and have encouraged her at every step of the way. She has now been there for six years and says: “I feel they look at my work output rather than my gender. Being a woman has never been an issue for them and I’ll forever be grateful that they let me in. Although the welding world is vastly a male environment, I feel I have been encouraged when it mattered the most. If I did come across any doubters I shrugged it off and made sure my skills were a higher standard than theirs! I do feel I have had to work harder to get where I am because I’m a girl, but that has worked out in my favour as the determination has vastly improved my skills. If I had any advice for future woman welders out there it would be this; Go out there and work hard. If you want to weld you go weld your wee heart out! Don’t let anyone discourage you, you can do anything you put your mind to no matter what anyone else says! Let your skills do the talking.” ■


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