05-05-2025
Local high school senior breaking barriers: welding her way forward
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Welding isn't usually considered a job for teenagers, and it's even more rare to see a young woman in the role.
One Harris County High School senior is defying expectations, thanks to a work-based learning program that combines classrooms and careers.
Mary Rehrauer works in a male-dominated field, but she's not just holding her own, she's excelling.
'As soon as I got into the Metals class, I knew that was what I wanted to do, ' she said, 'So as soon as I got this job, I applied for the work based learning program and that has helped me tremendously because I would not be here where I am right now without the work-based learning. '
The program allows high schools students to leave campus and work part-time jobs in the field they're studying. For Mary, this was the perfect opportunity, after she had already completed all the welding and art classes offered by the high school. She said those were her only interests and she didn't want to take filler classes for the rest of high school.
She admits there's judgement surrounding her interest, 'It's definitely been a wild road, getting over a lot of judgment with not only kids my age but adults. Especially here, [they] see that I'm a female worker and I fix their stuff and they're like, wow, you did that. A lot of people will take you for granted because you're just like you're a woman doing this.'
Mary continued, 'I try to do my absolute best to prove everybody that has their doubts about me wrong. Most people have been very encouraging, including my family. They have been nothing but supportive.'
Her determination hasn't gone unnoticed, Todd Sibert, co-owner of Sail Trailer, said her work ethic sets her apart.
'She lifts her share… just like the guys do,' Sibert said, 'She's polite, She does the work, she doesn't hesitate and I don't need to tell her anything twice, which is wonderful.'
Across Harris County, the work-based learning program connects students with employers in trades like healthcare, construction, engineering, and welding. The goal is to prepare students for life after high school, whether that means college or a career.
Georgia House Bill 402, gives employers a discount on workers' compensation premiums, making it easier to hire students like Mary.
The program gives students a head start and helps employers find young, local talent. 'Students can explore careers, find out what they like and don't like,' said Gary Johannes, the HCHS work based learning coordinator. 'Moving into college whether that's two or four years, they can also save college debt because they can learn a trade early and not get into a career and come to find out they wanna switch later on. It allows them to learn soft skills, maybe work locally and just have a great work experience.'
For Mary, welding is more than a class or a job; it's her passion.
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