Breaking Barriers in Engineering: Mel’s Journey in Welding

In the debut episode of Steph on Skills, powered by Enginuity, host Steph McGovern and CEO of Enginuity, Ann Watson, discuss the urgent skills crisis in engineering and manufacturing. 

Mel Stewart, an award-winning welder, also joins the conversation to share her journey into welding, the adversities she faced and how she overcame them. 

Mel explains the importance of apprenticeships, the gender gap in engineering, and some of the adventures on which her career path has taken her. 

Ann highlights the exciting opportunities in the field, the demand for skilled workers and why it’s a great time to consider a career in engineering. 

The discussion also touches on the need to make academic subjects more relatable to real-world applications and the potential impact of new technologies on the industry.

00:00 Welcome to Steph on Skills

00:33 Understanding the Skills Crisis

01:55 Meet Mel: An Award-Winning Welder

02:26 Mel's Journey into Welding

06:11 Facing Adversity in a Male-Dominated Field

08:05 The Changing Landscape of Welding

10:32 Opportunities and Future of Engineering

17:26 Encouraging the Next Generation

22:12 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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