In the world of manufacturing, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining is a game-changer, blending the precision of computers with the art of manual machining. It’s essentially manual machine work done through a computer environment.
Liz Beasley was working at a bookstore in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia when she realized she wanted to pivot her career to secure a better future for her family. Encouraged by her husband, Beasley applied for a machining apprenticeship at Norfolk Naval Shipyard—a decision that, at first, felt intimidating. Despite her doubts, she took the leap. Beasley began her apprenticeship in February 2021, just as the world was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
ATDM hosted another successful and insightful career fair connecting our cohorts to prospective employers. Approximately 200 students attended, eager to explore career opportunities with a diverse group of companies from across the country. The event drew 40 employers from various sectors, all looking to connect with the skilled soon-to-be graduates of ATDM.
And it was not the first time many of these companies had come to ATDM to recruit new talent.
There is a growing need for qualified workers in skilled trades such as welding and the industry is responding with competitive pay, job security and the opportunity to build a fulfilling career path. Women are stepping up to fill this gap and are discovering the advantages of this profession. Within the past seven years, the number of women working in skilled trades has increased by nearly one-third. In 2021, there were more than 314,000 tradeswomen in the U.S.
