By Meaghan MacDonald-Pool MSU NEWS SERVICE
BOZEMAN
—Montana State University’s Gallatin College recently wrapped up a
unique nine-week welding course designed for women and taught by women in the industry.
The
noncredit welding course was offered through Gallatin College’s welding
technology program in partnership with MSU’s Academic Technology and
Outreach and was funded in part through a grant from the Red Ants Pants
Foundation, a nonprofit that fosters strength and self-reliance in women in
rural agricultural communities.
The goal of
the course was to expand the skillsets of women in Gallatin, Park, Meagher,
Madison, Jefferson and Broadwater counties to include welding and metalworking
in their work on farms and ranches. The course taught its 16 students how to
use metalworking tools and equipment as well as the basics of welding. The hope
is that students can use their broadened skills to fill valuable roles within
their communities, diversify workplaces and expand grow local economies.
