Thanks! I may try and see if I can get the CAWI, until my time qualifies. In the meantime - I'm working towards NDT (what we use more at my job). I'm logging hours now under one of our veterans, who wants me to take his spot upon retirement in 3 years.
CWI is only needed there for qualification of new welders - but as we all know, I may not be there forever, and the
CWI is way more useful.
I try to encourage everyone I can. I still go by the shop at the school I went to, and answer questions for students there - and teach them a few tricks. Of course, I don't come across women interested in the trade very often. I wish there were more out there, and hope the ones that are will "hold their own" and give us all a good name.
You guys encouraged me, and shared A LOT of knowledge, that gave me a greater edge in the job market. Its much appreciated, and I'm running with it. Its now feeding and housing me and my daughter fairly comfortably. I've never regretted changing trades. I still look forward to going to work every single day. Plus, I lost that baby weight fast, lol.