The Welder Chick

05/29/2026

Foreman. C.E. Buck of the New York, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad Co. is shown here setting up a Shield-Arc welder to repair a railroad viaduct built in 1901. The machine is being set up specifically for overhead and vertical work to minimize spatter and ensure maximum welding speed and quality. More than five miles of welded bead were laid, all in an overhead or vertical welding position to complete the repairs.

05/19/2026

One thing I’ve noticed in the construction industry is how many insanely capable women second guess themselves before even trying.

There’s actually a statistic that says men are more likely to apply for jobs when they only meet around 60% of the qualifications, while women usually wait until they feel nearly fully qualified before applying. And honestly, that makes sense when you’ve worked in trades long enough.

I’ve seen guys walk onto site with confidence levels that should be studied scientifically meanwhile some women with twice the skillset are overthinking whether they’re “ready enough.”

Truth is, confidence in this industry usually isn’t natural. Most of us build it the hard way. Through mistakes. Through awkward first days. Through being underestimated. Through figuring things out as we go.

I used to think confidence meant knowing everything. Now I think it’s just trusting yourself enough to learn.

Nobody starts construction knowing what they’re doing. Every skilled tradesperson you look up to was once the new person slowing down the crew, asking dumb questions, making crooked cuts, or standing there pretending they understood what tool someone just asked them for.

You get better by doing it anyway.

So if you’re someone constantly doubting yourself, this is your reminder that confidence usually comes after experience, not before it.

Apply for the position.
Take the opportunity.
Learn the skill.
Start before you feel fully ready.

Half the people around you are figuring it out as they go too.

05/11/2026

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04/29/2026

Bad ass!!

History in the making. 👏 Her selection marks an important milestone: Mikala is the first woman to represent the United States in welding at hashtag .

AWS and SkillsUSA are proud to announce that Mikala Sposito, a 21-year-old student from Washtenaw Community College, has been selected as the official United States competitor in Welding for the 48th Competition, taking place September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

After three rigorous qualifying events, Mikala earned the top spot at the USA Weld Trials, demonstrating the precision, technical skill, craftsmanship, and focus required to compete on the global stage.

“Mikala’s achievement reflects the high standards required to compete on a global stage and shows that excellence in welding is open to everyone.” — Martica Ventura, AWS Senior Manager for Competitions, Events and Conferences

Join us in congratulating Mikala as she prepares to represent the United States and inspire the next generation of welding professionals. 👏👏👏

➡️ Read the full press release: https://www.aws.org/about/news/mikala-worldskills-press-release/

📸: photo credit, JD Scott/Washtenaw Community College

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

We are hiring!

Field Laborer/Welders
Mobile Crane Operator
Shipper/Receiver Assistant/Laborer

Please check out our website for more information about the positions! sperlingind.com
If you have any questions please reach out
[email protected]
sperlingind.com

04/29/2026

Class of '26!!! 🩵

04/29/2026

imagine being a welder! 😆☠️

04/28/2026

This was me leaving them big union jobs. 😆😭

I MISS YOU GUYS 😭