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Watch out there’s a woman about!!

The Poole based company Oval 316 have employed their first ever woman welder in the company’s 25year history.

However it is no reflection on the company - lady welders are a very rare breed indeed and Jade is a very exceptional lady who has battled to succeed in a male dominated environment. Even Jade has never met another lady welder in her six years in the business!

28 year old Jade always knew she wanted to do something different at school but never guessed the path her career would take. Good with her hands, Jade decided she wanted to work in a creative environment but was not sure what to do. Then she saw an advert for a welding apprentice and the rest - as they say - is history.

Oval 316 makes stainless steel tubing used for handrails, furniture and deck fittings on super-yachts. It’s a credit to Jade that she is employed by the company – who seek nothing but the best craftsmen – and of course craftswomen! With its unquestionable high standards there is no doubt of Jade’s ability to do her job regardless of her sex.

Historically, welding is not thought of as an obvious career choice for women and Jade has had to fight to prove her critics wrong that welding is not a women’s world. Hopefully her story will inspire others around her to follow whatever career they choose, regardless of perceptions.

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