How does an individual transition from a career in marketing and advertising to becoming a welder? It’s simple; just sign up for a tuition-free class with your family! That’s exactly what Faridah Bryant of Abingdon, Virginia did, and she surprised herself by becoming a certified MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder!
Faridah Bryant and her husband Russell moved from Arizona to Abingdon two years ago following retirement. While living in Arizona, Faridah had friends in Tucson who learned to weld, so they could create their own yard art. She had always been interested in doing the same but never found the right time to take a welding class while living there.
After moving to Southwest Virginia, Faridah’s sister-in-law, Linda Bryant, told her and Russell about a tuition-free MIG welding class offered by Southwest Regional Adult Education (SRAE) that was to be taught by the Bryants’ hometown friend, David Gilmer. Faridah decided to sign up for the class which ran from August 31 to November 1, 2021. Instructor Gilmer commented, “This particular class was very unique. Faridah's husband and his two sisters were also in the class.”
Faridah said it was fun being in class with family members as they could help each other out when needed. As the class progressed, she became very interested in the technical aspects of welding and spent much of her time perfecting her craft. Gilmer remarked, “Faridah was very focused on learning to weld from the very first class. Her sisters-in-law would work on yard art projects, and Farida would work on test pieces.”
Faridah noted that Gilmer was an excellent instructor who made learning fun, and the men who were in the class for occupational interest were helpful to her by allowing her to watch what they were doing. As a visual learner, Faridah said, “I have to see it to understand and process it.”
Welding was not without its challenges. Faridah expressed that, as a woman, she had a fear of operating heavy equipment. She had to overcome her fear of the welding torch and of not being able to see perfectly clearly while wearing a shield. She learned to get comfortable with the welding tools by receiving proper instruction and practicing.
Faridah was surprised to find that more time was spent on prepping the metal with grinding, smoothing, and cleaning than was actually spent on using the welding equipment. A valuable lesson she learned was the importance of safety in the welding lab. She explained, “Making sure you had the proper safety attire was a must because you could get burned very quickly.”
“When some of the art projects were near completion, Faridah could not resist creating her own works of art,” commented Gilmer. “She and her husband would show up for class with their scrap metal they had gathered from scrap yards and neighbors.”
Gilmer encouraged his students to take the certification exam that was to be given at Southwest Virginia Community College at the end of the program. He reflected, “Nearing the end of our class, Farida became concerned she was not prepared to test. She worked so hard the last couple classes to prepare herself for the certification test.” Faridah even went to the welding lab for extra practice sessions to work on perfecting her welding lines.
When it came time for the test, Faridah’s preparation paid off. Her welds passed the final bend test, and she received her certification! “Faridah is the first female from a class I taught to pass a certification test,” said Gilmer. “Typically females are very good welders; I just haven't had many to test. I was fortunate to be present at the test site when her test pieces were bent. We were on pins and needles. It was great!”
Since completing the program, Faridah and her husband Russell bought a welder and are setting up their own workshop at their home. Faridah commented, “The workshop was not planned prior to taking the class. It was so fun and interesting, we decided to set up our own workshop so we can do small repair jobs around the house.”
Faridah is very appreciative for the funding that provides this opportunity to participants and supplies the tools, equipment, and materials needed for the class. She believes that welding would be a great career choice for people who like to do hands-on mechanical work.
Southwest Regional Adult Education congratulates Faridah Bryant on earning certification in MIG Welding! If you have educational or career goals you’d like to attain, let us help. Contact us at 276-889-5424 to learn more about programs offered in our region.