Still Building America—Welder Kay Summers’ “opportunities are endless”

Kay Summers welding.

Meet Kay Summers, a 28-year-old mother of two who maintained a 4.0 GPA as a full-time welding student and was offered membership to an honor society. Having recently finished school and getting ready to jump into her first job in the field, Kay said, “I'm so proud of all of this because I was a high school dropout who never thought I'd amount to anything.” We think you are rocking it out there, Kay!

JW: Could you explain what kind of work you do? What got you started?

KS: I work for a steel fabrication company that fabricates and machines a variety of customers’ projects. We do MIG, TIG, micro-TIG, and laser TIG welding; sheet metal fabrications; as well as more extensive projects. I actually was told about this company by my welding instructor, and after some research, talking to a few people, and checking out the website, I decided to apply for a job. I will have the opportunity to learn in various departments and expand my knowledge as a welder and fabricator.

JW: What sparked your interest in welding/fabrication? How did you decide on your career path?

KS: I used to work in a factory in Elkhart, Ind. After we opened up our welding department, I wanted to be moved from production but wasn't given the opportunity. I've thought about welding since then. Six years later I've completed three semesters of welding and am looking forward to a career. My instructor has fully endorsed me, I’ve passed all my TIG welding certification tests, and found a great welding job.

JW: Who were your influences, and who has had an impact on your life?

KS: I've been influenced by other amazing female welders in my hometown of Elkhart. One of my biggest influences has been Vanessa Silvestro. She's a welder with CWI and CWE certifications, a commercial diver, a weld engineer, and there’s probably more to add to that list! Any questions I've had she's been there to answer and has been extremely supportive of my welding journey from the beginning. Not only is she an amazing welder, but she's an amazing woman, friend, and teacher.

JW: What type of background and training do you have?

KS: I was a full-time welding student at Lake Michigan College's Hanson Center. I focused mostly on TIG, a little MIG, took a SMAW class, and passed certification for TIG. I finished my last semester at LMC recently. Before college I didn't really have any training. I had tried to weld once at the factory I used to work at. So, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started college.

JW: What is your favorite part of the work you do?

Welds by Kay Summers.

KS: My favorite parts of welding are all of the things I can build and create, getting my hands dirty, and making something I can be proud of.

JW: What is the most challenging part of your job?

KS: I've worked in factories for most of my life. I've got some thick skin and I’m stubborn as hell, so I have gotten used to criticism; it pushes me so much harder to be a great welder. I think you need to have some thick skin as a woman in this industry. You'll be doubted, criticized, made fun of, and all of your flaws will be magnified. You have to be able to let it roll off your back and let it motivate you.

JW: What advice would you give your peers?

KS: I remember the first night I welded and thinking it had looked so easy. What I found out was that it wasn't easy at all. It takes dedication and a lot of practice. Sometimes years and years of practice. I feel like you never stop learning new tricks or techniques to use. My advice to others is to stay humble, never think you are the best, because then you close yourself off from the opportunity to learn and become better. Have thick skin and use criticism to motivate you, surround yourself with people who want to help you grow and are willing to give you advice, and most important, don't ever give up.

JW: What's your future career goal?

KS: My goal is to be in a custom fabrication shop, creating and building things. The options and opportunities in this trade are endless.

All images courtesy of Kay Summers.

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