MIKALA EADE
WELDER & FABRICTOR

Mikala Eade, welder and fabricator from West Sussex, photographed in a workshop environment surrounded by stickers and graphics.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

My name is Mikala Eade. Im a 23 year old welder & fabricator from West Sussex.
I work full time for a company called Built With Bailey where I make facias and cladding for buildings (basically the outsides of buildings). But I also make metal art in my spare time.

Mikala Eade welding steel in a fabrication workshop as part of her work as a welder and fabricator.

What made you choose this career?

After school I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do, so I went to lots of college open evenings to see my choices as I had to stay in education till I was 18. At Crawley college open evening I stumbled across the engineering department and thought it looked interesting so I went for it and haven’t looked back since! I just knew after school I didn’t want to sit at a desk anymore I wanted something physical.

Hand-fabricated metal racing car artwork by welder and fabricator Mikala Eade.

Did you go through formal education? If so, what did you study and where? If not please explain your journey.

I went through formal education, I did GCSES then went onto Crawley College and did general engineering then carried on to specialise in welding & fabrication then ending up getting an apprenticeship in a workshop!

An apprenticeship was the best thing I ever did, you get to learn and earn, I did 4 days a week at work and then 1 day at college to get my qualifications! And now I am fully qualified.

Did this have a positive or negative impact on your chosen career?

College was a positive experience for me as it lead to finding my dream job.

It allowed me to see what options were out there for a career instead of doing A levels or following the standard route.

Who inspires you?

My family and friends!

They have inspired and encouraged my through out my welding journey and have always supported everything I have done.

What’s the scariest thing about your job and how have you overcome it?

The scariest thing with my job is that it is a male dominated industry. In my college class I was the only woman and even now at my workplace I am the only woman. It can be daunting but it is worth it!

Handmade metal flower sculpture created by Mikala Eade using welded nuts and bolts.

What do you want to change about your industry?

I would love to change the gender gap in the engineering industry. Too many people think it is a mans job but it definitely isn’t.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out in your field?

Give it a go and you might like it! Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t do it!

How can we find out more?

You can find out more on my Instagram: @MikalaEadeMetalwork

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