Page 5 - HIWT Spring 2011 World of Welding

hiwt@welding.org HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING TECHNOLOGY

WELDING INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION ENHANCES

RESUMÉ

As she was growing up, welding was a way of life for Ashley When asked about any
McElwain. Her parents owned a family welding business that advice she had for others
employed both her parents and her brother. Ashley and her interested in a welding
brother both learned to weld as soon as they were able to hold career, Ashley answered,
a torch. So it was natural for Ashley to take welding during “Focus on what you like
high school at Vantage Career Center in VanWert. Many times to do. Know yourself,
she was told that because she was a “girl” she would not make set your goals, and don’t
it through the vocational training. listen to those who want
to discourage you.”
“The biggest barrier I have hit is that the guys often doubt
my talent and ability,” said Ashley. “They don’t realize that The two-week Prepara-
women make excellent welders because they instinctively tion for the American
have the ability for detail and often have better eye – hand Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector/Educator
coordination.” Examination Course at Hobart Institute is held several
times each year. The American Welding Society’s CWI
The naysayers did not stop Ashley from pursuing a bachelor’s examination is given on the last day (Friday) of the two-weeks
degree in Welding Engineering Technology at Ferris State to those who qualify. Further information and an application
University. She graduated and quickly landed a position packet are available on the Hobart Institute website at www.
making a good salary working for a military contractor on a welding.org or by calling 1-800-332-9448.
prototype replacement truck for the Humvee.
“I reviewed engineering drawings, created layout drawings,
made welding kits, and we made all the prototype vehicles
before I was laid off,” explained Ashley.
Being one of the newest hired in the department, Ashley was
the first to receive a “pink slip” and found herself unemployed
when the contracts expired. Not one to sit and wait for the
phone to ring, hoping for a job offer from another company,
Ashley focused on enhancing her resumé and enrolled in
the Preparation for the American Welding Society Certified
Welding Inspector/Educator Examination Course at Hobart
Institute and passed the challenging American Welding
Society CWI examination.

“Ideally, I would like to obtain a position in inspection and
training for a company,” Ashley said. “I was told that Hobart
was the best place to come for training and I have not been
disappointed. I would definitely recommend this class. It is
well worth the money.”
“For me, welding is not only a career, it is a hobby as well,”
Ashley continued. “A former instructor once told me that the
best thing you can do is to get paid for doing your hobby.”
“Money comes and goes, but I believe you must enjoy your
work or it is time to move on and do something else. Loving
your job is most important.”

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