Women’s Construction Forum donates Welding Gear to Greenville Technical College Female Student

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UPSTATE, S.C. – Members of the Women Construction Forum (WCF), a group comprising female industry professionals in residential and commercial construction in Upstate S.C., recently made a $600 donation to the Greenville Technical College Welding department. The donation was intended to provide welding gear for one of their 12 female students.

“Having female instructors who have been in the shoes of these students, we demonstrate to all students that welding is a viable career choice for everyone, regardless of gender. Our female enrollment has increased by 10 percent this year, with both day-time and night-time classes reaching capacity. We actively promote diversity in our program and are thrilled to see more women pursuing non-traditional paths,” stated Casey Ross, Academic Program Director (Welding Dept) at Greenville Technical College.

Rachel Veltri and Angela Gardner, founders of WCF, visited the welding school to meet with female welding students. WCF has been hosting lunch and learn sessions at Greenville Technical College to encourage women and assure them of support in the trades. At this year’s Annual WCF Christmas Party, the forum awarded a $500.00 scholarship to a Greenville Technical College student in the Architectural Engineering Technology Program and a $600.00 donation for welding gear for a female student in the Welding Program at Greenville Technical College.

“While there are hundreds of thousands of women across the U.S. employed in the construction industry, the reality is that less than three percent of them will find a career home in the trades,” said Angela Gardner, Director of Business Development and Marketing for Hill Electric, who serves on the WCF’s leadership team. “That’s why it’s crucial to find ways to support women entering the trades.”

About Women’s Construction Forum
The Women Construction Forum is an organization that provides education, experience, and personal connections for women in fields surrounding both residential and commercial construction, including contractors, architects, project managers, business owners, and many more. Founded in 2019 in Upstate South Carolina, the forum meets monthly to “help build up women and their voices in the construction arena by empowering, engaging, and mentoring women entering the industry.” Learn more about the Women Construction Forum by contacting Rachel Veltri at [email protected] .