When Angelica Martir moved to the area, she needed a new career path. Strong reviews of Anne Arundel Community College’s Welding program, along with a scholarship covering her classes and supplies, enticed her to enroll.
Martir started the five-week program in November, earning her certificate in December. She hopes to work in construction or automotive welding, but she also wants to use her new skills to make metal flowers for her partner.
“Welding is like art to me,” she said. “Every day I came into class and was practicing what I learned and challenging myself to learn something new.”
According to instructor Jannah Madyun, welding can lead to many opportunities.
“Welding is a great skill with which you can make good money and then pay for other things, like a four-year degree,” she said. “Or it's a great skill to have in general to fix things around the house or make crafts. It's also a great compliment to other engineering degrees.”
Madyun speaks from experience. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in material science and engineering with a focus on metals. Before her welding career, she worked in architecture.
“I didn't start my education or career paths thinking I would study welding, and I never knew welding would lead me back to school,” she said. “Welding sparked my curiosity about how metals behave and why processes matter.”
As Martir moved through the program, she found inspiration not only in the work but also in the people teaching it, especially her women instructors.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent women welders, and I hope to encourage more women to join the trade,” Madyun said. “But I also want people in general to see that welding can be the beginning of an adventurous career.”
From research to teaching, business ownership, art and engineering, curiosity in welding can be the first step toward many different futures.
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