16-year-old girl wins it all: Carnegie sophomore sweeps male-dominated welding competition

Fort Cobb, OK – April 2006 - Tammy Hannan is a sophomore at Carnegie High School, but influenced by her brother’s success, she decided to also enroll in Caddo Kiowa Technology Center’s welding program.

“You would be good at it,” her brother told her.

Good is an understatement. Hannan recently participated in the TSA (Tech Student Association) state competition in Tulsa. There she took first place against several other competitors (all male).

Hannan is one of only four women enrolled in the welding class at CKTC. She doesn't give it much thought.

“I love it,” she professes. “It is awesome, and Mr. Theesen is a really good instructor. It’s the best thing I’ve got going on.”

Hannan plans to get certified this year. She then expects to make money as a welder while she attends college and pursues a career in physical therapy.

Hannan represents a growing number of females who are learning to weld or entering training programs traditionally perceived as careers for men. The trend is even more obvious on campuses of technology centers like Caddo Kiowa, which has seen its female population continue to set the bar in programs such as welding, construction and automotive repair.

"We provide an environment in all of our programs that encourage nontraditional career choices," said Superintendent Jerry Martin.

The results of that philosophy are part of what makes students like Tammy succeed – the biggest part being the student’s drive and determination.

Caddo Kiowa Technology Center's campus is located in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma. Additional information about programs and services at CKTC is available at www.caddokiowa.com, and statewide information is available at www.okcareertech.org.

Photo Caption

Tammy Hannan works on a project in her welding class at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center.