Female welder challenges 'sexism in industry'

A welder with more than 30 years' experience said she once lost out on a job due to a lack of women's toilets.

Mel Stewart, from Bedlington, in Northumberland, said her career has been littered with bullying, sexism and rejection but is now trying to change the old-guard.

The 50-year-old set up her own company about a year ago and wants to encourage more women into the sector to help fight the growing shortage.

"I had to get my own business to become the person I want to be, because I've had so many businesses where I could have been a director but I was never given the opportunity," Stewart said.

Stewart said she used to change her name on job applications to be given a chance.

"I faced a ton of animosity from old-school men from the pits," she said.

"I was told that I should be a hairdresser, not a welder."

When one company rang her up to arrange an interview, they asked to speak to her husband presuming Stewart was a man, she said.

When she was eventually considered for the role, they told her they could not offer her the job because the site did not have facilities for women.

"I offered to pee in a bucket or share a toilet," Stewart said.

"They told me it was health and safety."

While Stewart believes overall attitudes have shifted over the years, she said women still face animosity.

"And that's what I'm fighting against - changing the thought process so people realise women deserve to be in this job as much as anyone else," she said.

With an ageing workforce, it is predicted by 2027 the UK will be looking at a shortfall of 35,000 people in the welding sector.

And Stewart said she wanted to welcome more women and girls into the industry to help fill the gaps through apprenticeships at her company.

"I just want to have the chance to make sure others get the opportunity they deserve," she said.

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