CONTRACTOR SUCCESS STORY : YOUMAN WELDING
now has someone on board to help with hiring employees , certified payroll , workers comp , and other important administrative tasks . At this point , she ’ s also worked with many different contractors over the years , so has developed an extensive professional network . “ It ’ s really a small world – I ’ ll drive past projects and recognize my welding and other buddies working out there . I ’ ve got a great team of guys that I can call to assist me if I need additional trades to complete a project – we all have complementary skills . I even have my own helpers and apprentices now who can cut and prep for me , but who don ’ t yet weld . It ’ s important to me to teach and help others who are just starting out , so I share my skills and knowledge whenever I have the opportunity .”
While Veronica acknowledges that getting started in the trades can still present more challenges for women than for men , she knows first-hand how capable and determined women can be in pursuing their goals , and she has witnessed more women entering and becoming successful in the trades . “ Yes , at first , there may be the issue of whether the guys will take you seriously or will make you clean up the tool room rather than put you to work on a project . In the beginning , I felt like I had to work a lot harder in order to prove myself , but now I don ’ t feel that pressure because I am confident in my skill and have built an excellent reputation in my trade .” Last year , she attended a Tradeswomen , Inc . conference in Washington , D . C . and was thrilled to be surrounded by so many other women in the trades . “ It was a great experience and I learned so much ,” she remarks .
Veronica is very encouraging of those interested in entering the trades . Her welding career not only brings her professional satisfaction , but has also allowed her to buy a home and provide for her two children . “ There ’ s a lot of money to be made in the trades and a real lack of skilled workers ,” she observes . “ So , the opportunities are definitely out there .”
In terms of the challenges of starting a business , Veronica points out that she ’ s still in the process of growing hers and that it ’ s normal to have some discouraging days , but that it ’ s also important to work through whatever comes up . She makes it a habit to “ always write down things that I want to accomplish and then go back and review my list – this helps me recognize how far I ’ ve come and motivates me to keep going .”
Whether for support in entering a trade or for starting a business , Veronica emphasizes how much of a difference it makes to seek out knowledgeable assistance . “ Look into your local union for whatever trade you ’ re interested in . Contact your state and city agencies and check out your local resources . I previously had no idea just how many free resources we have in Los Angeles ; I am so thankful for those – every time I read my emails , there ’ s another helpful workshop being offered .”
To learn more about Youman Welding , visit the company website .
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