Women in welding: MATC instructor welding says she sees more women in welding shops

OAK CREEK, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Welding has traditionally been a male-dominated field. But over the last 17 years, Karen Feliciano says she's seen more and more women picking up the skill. 

Feliciano is the lead welding instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). 

"They showed me the shop, and I fell in love [...] I always liked working with my hands," said Feliciano. 

Welding is what led her to her first passion, teaching. 

"I love teaching, it's my passion. I will retire a teacher," she said. 

Seventeen years ago, she says there was one other woman were in her class learning to weld. Now, the classes she teaches have a handful of girls. 

"When I first hit the field and I started welding in the field, it was very rare to see females in welding," she said. She hopes more females see it as a way to use their skills. 

"Working with your hands, don't mind getting dirty, being detail oriented," said Feliciano. 

Plus, she says, the flexibility to be able to earn certificates for shorter classes or an associate's degree in welding.