DECATUR, Ala. — Summer Welding & Electrical Technology also known as 'SWeETy Camp' is in full swing at Calhoun Community College June 12 -15. This year, 40 students have registered, and that's a record number for the program.
Director of Talent Development and Recruitment for the Decatur Morgan County Chamber Amber Fortenberry said, "... we have 35 girls here in the past. we typically had between 20 and 24 girls, so it's almost doubled." Fortenberry believes this just shows that the girls are interested in the trades, and Welding and Electrical and Manufacturing.
Kendall Livingston is homeschooled. The 9th grader said welding just kind of peaked her interest, and she decided to participate in 'SWeETy Camp' because she wanted to learn more. I think it's really cool, and I think it's really fascinating, and I think it's a really good career as well. I really like working with my hands. I work in H-VAC so kind of just being, like the hands on kind of work."
Welding instructor volunteer Sarah Myers believes one of the reasons there is not a lot of women welders is because of the lack of information. "... and yeah, I'm just really glad to be able to volunteer to be a part of something that is helping young women understand that this is an option that's available to them and it's a good option. and you can make a lot of money, and you can excel in the fields."
Students will take home a project at the end of the week that they weld, wire, and paint. They also get to work with 3-D printed parts that they will assemble and showcase at the end of the week.