The Welding and Engineering Programs at the New Castle Career Center are opening doors for young women interested in skilled trades and manufacturing careers. Female students are leading, solving problems, and earning industry credentials while rewriting outdated narratives.
For many of these female students, the journey started with curiosity. Some of the female welding and engineering students at New Castle Career Center shared their perspectives on stepping into fields traditionally dominated by men.
Skill Over Stereotypes in the Welding Lab
New Castle Career Center student Alaina Tieman discovered welding in high school and realized it was more than an elective. Inspired by her mother, Alaina shared, “My mom showed me I can do anything I put my mind to and showed me that women can dominate the men’s workforce.” She faced assumptions about her fragility, but she credits the program with helping her earn certifications to build a career.
Student Emily Hill enrolled in the program after watching her best friend earn three certifications in a year. Motivated by a strong work ethic and desire to succeed, Emily adjusted, asked questions, and found support, saying, “I appreciate how much people will help me when I don’t understand things.”
For Emmarie Murphy, the lab and CNC machine, along with her teacher’s encouragement, sealed her interest. Despite challenges related to gender dynamics, she finds welding rewarding and sees it as a reliable career after graduation.
Melissa Schmucker knew that welding was for her since the ninth grade. After taking classes, joining the Career Center was a natural step. And Sidney Nicholson joined the welding program in tenth grade and credits her instructor, Mr. Perrin, as an inspiration. Her main challenge was confidence, but the program’s focus on certifications helped her grow.
Welding instructor Ronnie Perrin says female students bring focus, creativity, and persistence. “If motivated, they tend to motivate the majority,” he said. Although welding is often seen as a male-dominated field, he emphasizes that skill, accuracy, and knowledge matter more than strength, noting that most employers now recognize the benefits that women bring.
Engineering the Future
In the Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing program, female students apply creativity and technical skills to real-world problems.
One first-year student, inspired by her grandfather’s hands-on projects, learned to adapt and troubleshoot during a challenging capstone. She values earning college credits, certifications, and gaining confidence.
Senior Lilli Maxwell has earned credits and industry certifications like Autodesk Inventor, OSHA 10, and SACA certifications in Industry 4.0 and Pneumatics. She expects to earn more certifications in electrical and automation systems and plans to study mechanical or civil engineering at Anderson University in Fall 2026.
Instructor Jason McCutchan said, “Lilli has been a leader in my classroom; she is a student I can count on to lead the discussion and help others answer their questions.” She assists peers during labs, ensures safety, and helps develop the training curriculum. McCutchan calls her work creative, detailed, and precise. Lilli also helped build a new pneumatic workstation, expanding hands-on learning.
The program itself has evolved significantly in recent years. What once focused primarily on engineering principles and CAD now emphasizes manufacturing-focused engineering pathways, including industrial, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
“Our students learn an in-depth knowledge of automation functions with pneumatics, hydraulics, electronics, PLCs, and robotics. They will have a deep understanding of science, physics, materials, mathematics, and engineering principles. Students will also learn AutoCAD programs to develop and document product designs. They will utilize 3D printing and different CNC machining to construct a physical prototype of their designs,” said McCutchan.
The program takes multiple field trips throughout the year, including visits to conventions, local factories, and visiting college engineering programs.
A Stronger Workforce Starts Here
Across welding and engineering programs, female students are proving that talent, curiosity, and determination transcend outdated stereotypes. They are earning certifications, motivating peers, and stepping confidently into careers that are essential to the future of manufacturing, infrastructure, and innovation.
To learn about the programs available at the New Castle Career Center, visit nccareercenter.org