Breaking Barriers: Jen’s Story as a Woman in Welding

When Jen first came to Flying HIGH’s Professional Development Center, she was starting over after a major life transition. After spending three years incarcerated, she entered sober living and began rebuilding her life from the ground up.

“I was starting from square one,” Jen said.

As she explored the programs available at Flying HIGH, Jen knew she wanted a career that would allow her to move forward without putting herself in emotionally overwhelming situations. While she valued recovery work like becoming a CDCA, she realized it was not the right fit for her long-term wellbeing. Instead, she gravitated toward skilled trades, an area she had always felt comfortable in.

Jen had spent much of her life working in male-dominated environments, from professional kitchens to construction work. Welding appealed to her not only because it aligned with her strengths, but because of its long-term stability and demand.

“Our society is in need of people with trade skills,” she explained. “This is a job I can take anywhere.”

What set Flying HIGH apart for Jen was the program’s willingness to remove barriers that might otherwise have stopped her from enrolling. Staff worked with her to ensure she could meet basic requirements, including transportation. After taking two years to obtain her driver’s license and a vehicle, Jen returned to Flying HIGH and was enrolled right away.

Inside the welding program, Jen found an environment rooted in patience, understanding, and respect. Instructors Tim Hipkins and Dana Schnorrenberg met students where they were, creating space for people from all backgrounds to learn and grow.

“I had never been given an opportunity to learn something like that before,” she said.

Dana Schnorrenberg, one of Jen’s welding instructors, says her work ethic stood out from the start.

“I give out a flyer to the students of ten things that require zero talent,” Schnorrenberg said. “Being on time. Making an effort. Being high energy. Having a positive attitude. Being passionate. Using good body language. Being teachable. Doing a little extra. Being prepared. Having a strong work ethic. Jenny has all these covered, and then some.”

Today, Jen is employed as a welder at Ajax TOCCO Magnethermic, a global technology company headquartered in Warren, Ohio. Founded in 1916, Ajax TOCCO is the world’s oldest and leading manufacturer of induction heating and melting equipment, with operations and facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is known for its long history of innovation, research and development, and commitment to skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.

At Ajax TOCCO, Jen says she feels fully accepted as part of the team. She is treated no differently than her male coworkers and is encouraged to ask questions, explore new techniques, and continue learning.

“I’m treated exactly the same as all the guys,” Jen shared.

That sense of belonging and opportunity has allowed her to rediscover her love of learning. Welding, she says, offers endless possibilities and constant growth.

“There’s so much to learn,” she said. “It feels endless.”

Jen’s supervisor at Ajax TOCCO, known as Rhino, describes her as a positive and reliable worker.

“She’s awesome,” he said. “She’s got high spirits, and she brings that high step onto the floor.”

When asked what she would say to another woman considering a career in welding, Jen didn’t hesitate.

“Just do it,” she said. “I’ve learned that getting that motivation comes after the first action step. So you take that first step, and that creates the momentum to keep going to get more accomplished.”