Trailblazers: Chase Woodiel

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

5.8%
Percentage of female welders

Source: American Welding Society

Welding is Chase Woodiel’s art – and she uses her talent to create custom parts for motorcycles, while providing a good life for her children.

After leaving what she describes as a toxic relationship, Woodiel decided it was time for a career change. In 2015, she enrolled at Ozarks Technical Community College to earn an associate degree in welding technology. This led her to join the team at The Forge LLC one year ago.

“I help us get everything fabricated from the ground up,” she says of the custom motorcycle parts she builds, mostly for Harley-Davidsons. “You get to stretch your creative muscle.”

Anticipating graduation in May, Woodiel says the freedom she’s found in welding has been life-changing.

“I think it’s a good career for women,” she says. “You can work hard, build something with your hands and have a steady paycheck and benefits – all the things you need. I’m a single mom, so I know it’s important.”