Didn't she do Weld?

Former hairdresser dons the welding gloves for a really hot job in engineering.

For Deborah Hunter, from Consett, a 10 week training course in engineering has changed her life completely. A former hairdresser with her own mobile hairdressing business, Deborah finished work to have children after successfully running her business for 5 years. Later, when considering going back into employment she decided that she needed a career change, but wasn't sure in which direction.

It was in January 2003 that she noticed an advertisement by Derwentside College promoting 'Women into Engineering' taster courses. After enrolling on a taster in Fabrication and Welding, Deborah has never looked back! After only a few weeks of the course, Deborah decided that welding was the career choice she had been looking for. After successfully completing the course, and amazing her lecturers in the progress, Deborah came back to study the City and Guilds Introduction to Welding course.

Four years on and with a number of engineering courses under her belt, Deborah is now working as a welder at Grorud Engineering in Castleside, Consett - having initially started as a temporary worker, she has now been given a 12 month contract. Alongside her new career, Deborah's new-found skills are also coming in useful at home, as she now has her own MIG welding kit - which is often put to good use to do repair jobs for neighbours and friends. A little closer to home, it has also come in very useful when having to repair her sons' motorcycles!

Commenting on her life change, Deborah said, "Doing the welding taster course at Derwentside College has really changed my life! I really enjoyed my learning experience, so much so that I decided to make it into a career. This career change suits me to a 't', as I don't mind getting my hands dirty. My friends often ask what is it like working in a largely male-dominated industry, but I tell them that all you need is a good sense of humour. I would recommend more women tried their hand at engineering and discover their hidden talents too!"

Deborah's lecturers, Steve Chambers and John Teasdale, have been extremely impressed with their student's progress and said, "Deborah is an excellent student, adaptable and not frightened to have a go at any new task. She produces good quality work and her attitude is tip-top. With her excellent sense of humour - she has the drive and ambition to do well in the industry. She deserves it"

Not content to rest on her laurels, Deborah has enrolled on the TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding) Welding course at Derwentside College which begins in September. We wish her weld...

Deborah Hunter in one of Derwentside College's welding stations in the Centre of Engineering Enterprise with lecturers John Teasdale and Steve Chambers

6 July 2007