The buzz of equipment and the sparks flying from welding torches at the Ormsby Educational Center show more than just hands-on learning — they are the beginning of exciting futures.
Inside the welding shop, Career & Technical Education students are mastering precision, patience, and craftsmanship while discovering just how far their skills can take them. This March, in celebration of Women in the Trades Month, several young women are showcasing their talents and determination.
The Welding/Metal Fabrication program at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES provides students with practical experience in fabrication, blueprint reading, measurement, safety procedures, and multiple welding processes. Each day in the shop challenges them to think critically, work carefully, and continuously improve.
Ava Czapla of Springville was inspired by her brother’s career as a welder, and she came into the program at Ormsby with high expectations. But welding turned out to be more than she initially imagined.
“There’s a lot of fabricating before you actually weld,” Ava explained. “You need a lot of patience and a very steady hand. You can easily mess something up if you’re not focused.”
She also values being part of a class with other female students, noting that having peers who share her experience makes the learning environment even more supportive.
Angel Shea of Holland also found her inspiration close to home. Her father recently began welding as part of construction and demolition work, and he encouraged her to pursue it.
“He likes the fact that I’m doing it,” Angel said.
She is already seeing progress in both her technical ability and confidence. “I think I’m getting better at the pace,” she added, reflecting on the precision and focus welding requires.
For Emma Kruszka of Orchard Park, welding has been a lifelong dream. “I’ve wanted to weld since I was four years old,” she said.
Growing up with brothers, Emma says her interest in the trade developed early. She was thrilled to enter a CTE program where she could connect with other students who shared her passion.
“It’s so nice to see another student walk in the door who’s into the same things,” she said. The friendships she has formed have made the program not just a place to learn but a community to grow in.
Taylor Proudman of North Collins draws inspiration from her grandfather, who welded during his military service in the Vietnam War.
“You really have to slow down and be meticulous,” Taylor said, describing one of the key lessons she has learned in the shop. Her focus and determination reflect the core of what welding and any trade skill requires: patience, attention to detail, and practice.
Throughout the program, instructor Charles Harding guides students with both expertise and encouragement. He emphasizes that success in the trades is about more than just technical ability, noting, for example, the four young women in his junior class.
“They all have excellent communication skills,” Harding said. “It’s not always just about being the best welder. When students can communicate effectively in this industry and know how to read a tape measure, those soft skills matter. Companies are willing to work with students who have that foundation in order to build up their welding skills.”
Harding noted that the Welding/Metal Fabrication program has a strong history of graduates succeeding in the industry.
“Anybody can do it,” he said. “If you’re willing to put in the work and the level of practice welding requires, you’ll succeed. Not everybody is a natural welder. Some people are born with steady hands. Others have to practice to get good. If you put in the effort, it’s just a matter of time and energy.”
A key component of the experience is real-world exposure. Each March, students participate in four-week internships with industry partners, gaining valuable hands-on experience and professional connections.
For more information on Career & Technical Education programs available at E2CCB, visit https://www.e2ccb.org/programs/career-technical-education/
