The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that connects welding professionals worldwide and underrepresented communities as we continue to strive for a more diverse workforce. Join us as we celebrate Women Empowerment Month to learn about the incredible contributions of Women in the welding industry and our communities.

Kayla Vander Molen’s path into welding started in an unexpected place, fashion design, until a spark from metal set her on a new course. Kayla is a Red Seal Pressure Welder, Boilermaker, Pre-Apprenticeship Instructor, Entrepreneur, and a Mother while helping shape the next generation of tradespeople in Canada. In this episode, Kayla shares what it’s like to enter the trades without a blue-collar background, the importance of strong fundamentals and mentorship, and the realities of building a career as a woman in welding. From navigating certifications across provinces to standout projects and launching WeldTux, her story blends grit and growth.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weldtux/
Website: http://www.weldtux.com/

Thank you to our Podcast Advertisers:
Canada Welding Supply: https://canadaweldingsupply.ca/
Josef Gases: https://josefgases.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with a welder who needs a nudge today.

There is no better time to be a member! The CWB Association membership is new, improved, and focused on you. We offer a FREE membership with a full suite of benefits to build your career, stay informed, and support the Canadian welding industry. https://www.cwbgroup.org/association/become-a-member

What did you think about this episode? Send a text message to the show!

The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that connects welding professionals worldwide and underrepresented communities as we continue to strive for a more diverse workforce. Join us as we celebrate Women Empowerment Month to learn about the incredible contributions of Women in the welding industry and our communities.

Breaking into the skilled trades isn’t always a straight path. UA Local 46 Steamfitting and Welding apprentice Brooke Laing joins the podcast to share how she found her way into welding and what it really takes to build a career in the trades today. From understanding union benefits to what a steamfitter’s day actually looks like, Brooke offers a candid look at learning the trade and navigating job sites as an apprentice in Canada. Beyond the job site, Brooke is helping drive change as a member of the Youth Apprenticeship Council. While advocating for apprentices, she is also building community through her podcast, Two Bolts Short of a Flange, and the growing Sisterhood of Trades network, which connects women in the trades around the world.

Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-laing-59397a295/
Sisterhood of Trades: https://www.sisterhoodoftrades.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pmLbiTozQOjsh4d7fun2s?si=DfkpjZBETe-5uF03XpUV1w

Thank you to our Podcast Advertisers:
Canada Welding Supply: https://canadaweldingsupply.ca/
Josef Gases: https://josefgases.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with a welder who needs a nudge today.

There is no better time to be a member! The CWB Association membership is new, improved, and focused on you. We offer a FREE membership with a full suite of benefits to build your career, stay informed, and support the Canadian welding industry. https://www.cwbgroup.org/association/become-a-member

What did you think about this episode? Send a text message to the show!

The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that connects welding professionals around the world and unrepresented communities as we continue to strive for a more diverse workforce. Join us as we celebrate Women Empowerment Month to learn about the incredible contributions of Women in the welding industry and our communities.

Trailblazer Laura Potje shares her 45-year journey in welding, from shop floors and uranium refineries to becoming a Red Seal welder and instructor. Laura reflects on breaking barriers, the importance of mentorship, and how hands-on workshops are helping more women discover careers in the skilled trades. Don't miss this empowering conversation about creating opportunities and building confidence for the next generation of women in welding.

Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-potje-1b426847/

Thank you to our Podcast Advertisers:
Canada Welding Supply: https://canadaweldingsupply.ca/
Josef Gases: https://josefgases.com/

Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with a welder who needs a nudge today.

There is no better time to be a member! The CWB Association membership is new, improved, and focused on you. We offer a FREE membership with a full suite of benefits to build your career, stay informed, and support the Canadian welding industry. https://www.cwbgroup.org/association/become-a-member

What did you think about this episode? Send a text message to the show!