In March, women were celebrated, acknowledged and recognized for their achievements and milestones as part of Women’s History Month. If you ask Avery Scott, a 20-year-old welder, every day is about making her mark in the fields of construction and manufacturing – both male-dominated industries.

“Being a welder allows me to tear down stereotypes,” said Avery. “There is no try; just do.”

A Colorado native currently living in Marquis Castle Pines, Avery attended Rock Canyon High School but never saw the traditional four-year universities as part of her path to finding her passion. She always had an interest in building, breaking, and putting things together and prefers to work with her hands. Pursuing welding provided an outlet for her creativity.

Avery was the only female student in her graduation class in February 2023 from Lincoln College of Technology. Located in Denver, Lincoln Tech specializes in training for the automotive, collision repair, diesel, electrical, welding and HVAC industries. To earn designation as a journeyman, Avery must complete a three-year apprenticeship; she just completed her first year. This means juggling 10- to 12-hour work shifts, along with three hours of apprentice classes twice per week.

Avery recalls the early days of doubt and initial struggle to gain respect and a place at the table because her team consisted mostly of men who were experienced welders, fabricators and journeymen. She is currently the youngest and only female in the Iron Workers Local 24 union, which covers Colorado and Kansas.

According to the U.S. Labor Department and National Association of Manufacturers, women account for only 29 percent of the 13 million manufacturing jobs. Despite naysayers, Avery holds the optimism and determination of a kid on an Easter egg hunt.

“You push through the negativity. You show up every day. Your actions will show measurable results: maintain consistency, persistence, and self-motivation,” said Avery.  “You just keep at it. It is nice when you feel accepted, respected and part of the team. And it helps a lot that my mom is my biggest supporter.”

Avery has landed her first project, the highly-anticipated 1900 Lawrence commercial development in downtown Denver. She beams with pride when she talks about the hours that have gone into constructing the project, which will stand among the tallest buildings of Denver’s skyline.

Avery eventually dreams of opening her own business, crafting automotive and after-market parts for race cars. When she is not scaling buildings or working on cars, as an only child, Avery shares a close bond with her mother, Amy Fenster. The two can be found hiking the local trails with Blu, their rescue pit bull.

Looking at Avery, Jennifer Beale in the 1983 movie Flashdance comes to mind. At 5’3” and weighing in at 100 pounds, Avery is a force of nature; but she stands shoulder to shoulder next to her counterparts when it comes to her trade. Avery hopes that by working in this industry she can inspire other women to be trailblazers, problem solvers and mentors to others who want to pursue technical trades and craftsmanship.

 

 

 

 

By ViVi Somphon, photos courtesy of Avery Scott