International Women’s Week – Celebrating Women in Welding

International Women’s Week – Celebrating Women in Welding

International Women’s Week is a time to recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women across all industries — including welding.

Lindrae Isaacs joined BMet in September 2025 and has since become an integral part of the Engineering Department. She supports both adult learners and apprentices in developing their skills across a range of welding disciplines. Lindrae plays a key role in running our evening sessions at James Watt College and oversees the delivery of City & Guilds Level 1–3 programmes in MIG, TIG, and ARC welding.

Lindrae has generously shared her professional journey prior to joining BMet.

Lindrae’s Story

“My name is Lindrae Isaac. I was born in Durban, South Africa, and raised in a township called Wentworth, south of Durban. I grew up in a two-bedroom block of flats with a leaking roof and no running water. Despite these challenges, my mother always encouraged me to work hard and do my best.

In 2002, I was first introduced to the welding trade. I can still remember walking through the Jacobs industrial area in Durban searching for employment, at a time when opportunities for women in engineering were extremely limited. I was drawn to welding because of my love for fixing things, my curiosity about how metals are joined, and the combination of maths and science that underpins the craft.

I approached Samson School of Welding and waited to speak with the owner. An elderly gentleman eventually came out and asked how he could help. After I explained that I was looking for work, he told me about his welding school and engineering workshop and talked me through the different welding processes — MIG, TIG, ARC and Gas. I was so impressed by his passion and explanation that I decided welding would be my career.

I started with basic welding training, eventually earning my trade test qualification, assessor credentials, and trade testing officer certification. I also completed training in Occupational Health and Safety and welding technology. I worked in engineering workshops as well as ship repair in Durban.

The early 2000s were challenging. Women were rarely accepted in engineering, and the trade was dominated by men who were often unwilling to work alongside female artisans. There were no facilities for women, and I regularly faced scepticism about my competence. I worked twice as hard to gain credibility — and overcoming those challenges ultimately strengthened my expertise and confidence.

Finding mentors, both male and female, and building a supportive community were crucial to my growth. Taking ownership of projects, speaking up in meetings, and proactively stepping into leadership roles — even before holding the title — all helped me advance my career.

The most successful engineers know that learning never stops, especially as technology evolves. Many women in engineering are committed to mentoring the next generation, helping reduce the gender gap and promoting a more inclusive industry. After gaining significant experience, I wanted to pass on the skills I had learned. I worked in various welding schools for over 15 years as a training manager, welding assessor and trade testing officer.

To all women navigating the engineering sector, my message is:

‘Own your expertise’ – Don’t wait for permission to lead. Take initiative and advocate for your ideas.
 ‘Fail fast and forward’ – Embrace mistakes as part of learning.
 ‘Find your tribe’ – Connect with other women in engineering for support and shared experiences.
 ‘Let your victories speak’ – Deliver high-quality work to overcome bias.”

— Lindrae Isaacs

We are incredibly fortunate to have Lindrae as part of the BMet family — an inspiring role model for women in engineering and a champion for the next generation of welders.

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