CPTC welding student looks to spark change in male-dominated trade

By Jean Borst

For Maddy Hazenberg, the path after high school seemed clear: earn a four-year degree. But after graduating from Western Washington University in 2021, she found the road ahead bumpier than expected.

“I was really happy with my sociology degree, but finding a job that was fulfilling was difficult, and the ones I did find just burned me out,” she said.

Although Hazenberg enjoyed working at a local performing arts center, she knew it wasn’t her passion – or her forever job.

“I was joking with my sister one day when I said, ‘What if I just go to trade school?’ But that got me thinking,” she said. “I knew I didn’t want to work two or three jobs for the rest of my life, so I did some research.”

A new direction

Hazenberg dove in with an open mind – and an important condition.

“I wanted to be able to have an extended career,” she said. “I always knew a 9-to-5 desk job wasn’t for me, but I didn’t want to find myself in a field that would leave me physically hindered by the time I was 40.”

She soon discovered welding not only offered long-term career potential, but it could also feed her love of travel. With a degree and certification in this high-demand field, she could find work – and live comfortably – nearly anywhere in the country. According to the American Welding Society, 320,500 new welding professionals will be needed to fill an average of 80,000 jobs annually between now and 2029.

A glitch becomes a gateway

After exploring welding programs in the Puget Sound area, Hazenberg signed up for a Zoom information session hosted by Clover Park Technical College (CPTC). A technical glitch led to an unexpected opportunity.

“The technology wasn’t working, but the person running the Zoom session asked me to call her to talk more,” she said.

That person was Welding Technology program instructor Amelia Riojas, who is also a metal constructor for King County Metro and has deep experience as a boilermaker and welder. Riojas spent nearly 40 minutes talking with Hazenberg about her interests, CPTC’s program, as well as her own professional journey as a woman of color working in a male-dominated industry.

By the end of their conversation, Riojas invited Hazenberg to visit the campus welding shop, meet current students and see hands-on training in action.

“I could see how helpful and committed she was to her students, and the other girls in the program really helped me,” she said. “They told me not to be afraid about starting the program with no experience, and they had tips on how to save money buying tools. I already have substantial student loans, so I was concerned about costs.”

That visit sealed the deal.

Finding her spark

Once she enrolled and started classes, Hazenberg immediately knew she had found the right fit.

“I felt comfortable and supported from day one,” she said. “I knew I’d found something that would become my career and passion, and now I’m determined to get everything I can out of this program.”

Currently in her third quarter of CPTC’s five-quarter Welding Technology program, Hazenberg is on track to graduate with an Associate of Applied Technology degree in December. She also plans to obtain her welding certification before finishing the program to ensure she’s job ready.

“A five-quarter program is very short compared to a four-year degree,” she said. “And the growth is out of this world. I’m only halfway through, and I’ve learned and grown so much.”

She credits a lot of that growth to Welding Technology instructors Martha Hale, Jordan Rounds and Justin Voskuil. “They’ve had an incredible impact – not just on my skill as a welding student, but on what to expect when I start my career.”

Changing the arc

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up less than six percent of welders in the U.S. Hazenberg is determined to help change that.

“Not only do women deserve to be in this field as much as anyone else, but we also deserve to serve the world we live in,” she said.

For other young women – whether fresh of high school or exploring a new direction – Hazenberg offers encouragement that’s grounded in experience.

“Trying something new is hard, especially when you know you’re stepping into a field that isn’t historically built for women,” she said. “But that’s what needs to change. You have to be self-assured and know that you deserve to be there because of your talent and work ethic. There’s an incredible pride in with being able to say, ‘I’ve earned my place here.’”

Looking back on her decision to change course, Hazenberg has no doubt she made the right move.

“Registering for this program is the best decision I ever made,” she said. “When I’m done with my studies at CPTC, I know I can make a living doing something I really like. I’m so happy – and very proud of myself.”

Learn more about the Welding Technology program on the CPTC website.