Morgan Collins has a couple months to go before graduating from Union County High School, but she’s already made a name for herself as the first female student to become a certified welder. Not only that, but the Panther senior took home First Place in welding at the SkillsUSA District Competition and participated in the Georgia State Skills Competition.
What started as a freshman learning opportunity turned into a discovery of passion when Collins decided to give welding a chance four years ago. She wanted to try metalworking if only to say she had the experience, but as time passed, Collins discovered she both enjoyed welding and had a talent for it.
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That isn’t to say the road has been easy. While having support and help when needed, she has dealt with more than her fair share of peer scrutiny in such a male-dominated field. For example, the reception from other SkillsUSA District contenders was less than warm when she came out on top at the event.
“I have experienced a lot of pushback; teenage boys don’t really love it when someone smaller and more dressed up … beats them at competitions,” Collins admitted, though she added that “the support’s been (greater) than the backlash.”
Through the difficulties, Collins has become a stronger person by learning to “give it back” to her rivals. Developing thicker skin has come in handy, and staying the course has given her far greater rewards than she could have imagined.
Becoming a blue-collar worker has granted her access to knowledge that others of her generation are passing up, Collins believes. Many of her predecessors are older, and Collins feels that it would be a shame to lose the knowledge they’ve accumulated over the years.
And she has seized the opportunity to shape the craft into something of her own. Despite the hard work, she likes the possibilities for creativity best. It is fulfilling to complete repairs and formulate structures, but as a lifelong artist, she enjoys being able to take scrap metal and realize a new vision for it. Former slag can find new life as a bird, cactus, lamp or anything else patience and the imagination can come up with.
An artist’s brain, Collins believes, has only made her more successful.
“I think that’s a lot of being a welder,” she said. “You have to be able to visualize things to be successful, because if you can’t look at that blueprint and then be able to create the 3D product in your head – see how it’s going to move and how it’s going to work – there’s no way you can fabricate.”
Teacher Derick Dillinger, affectionately referred to as “Bob” by his students, is a figure Collins credits with helping her get where she is today. In particular, she appreciates his patience and encouragement that has enabled her to push past her limits and try new things.
It’s because of that help and a hefty dose of her own determination that Collins continues down her chosen path. Her love of learning makes her eager to continue to experience new things, and she’s proud to look back at her accomplishments.
In the same vein, she hopes to become an inspiration to other young ladies who may look up to her example.
“It’s awesome. I definitely hope that some girls follow in my footsteps soon,” Collins said, noting that one other girl has shown steady interest in the class. “It’s going to be difficult,” she warned. “Respect is earned, not given.”
Collins has already completed all her core classes and earned two welding credits thanks to dual enrollment, and she will be attending North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville this fall. Currently, she also works at Panel Built, which has given her a wealth of experience.
“I’m at least getting an associate’s degree and making a career out of (welding). I’m hoping that school will help me decide what kind of welding I’m going to lean toward more,” Collins divulged, noting that while she feels more inclined toward tungsten inert gas (TIG) or double-handed welding, she enjoys all types and could see herself working with any method.
“TIG welding is definitely the most challenging, but it’s the most rewarding, I feel. They’re all highly sought-after right now, but I feel like TIG welding has the most financial opportunities as well as bigger job opportunities,” Collins explained. TIG welding jobs are “everywhere,” she said, and she is waiting to see how her college experience shapes her further before deciding on a definite placement.
In the meantime, Collins hopes to drum up more clients for her business, Rooster Metalworks. Although welding is her passion, she also does painting, featherwork, leatherworking and other artistic and manual jobs. To inquire about Rooster Metalworks, call 678-480-7577.
