A college student from the United States is poised to make history at the upcoming WorldSkills Competition, often described as the 'Olympics of trades.' Mikala Sposito, a 21-year-old from Dexter, Michigan, will represent the United States in welding after winning the USA Weld Trials in Alabama. She will become the first woman ever to represent the US in welding at this global event.
Trailblazing Ambition
Sposito has long aspired to be a trailblazer. 'I always wanted to be the first female to do something,' she said. 'It was very, very close the whole time, but I was the one who made it to Shanghai.' The WorldSkills Competition determines global excellence in technical disciplines such as construction, information technology, manufacturing, and robotics.
Training and Preparation
Sposito, a student at Washtenaw Community College (WCC), is the sixth from her institution to qualify for the competition. WCC is renowned for producing more WorldSkills welding alumni than any other US school. Her instructor and mentor, Alex Pazkowski, a former WorldSkills runner-up, will coach her through intense preparation, which includes 80 hours of weekly practice and participation in international competitions. Pazkowski acknowledges the 'long, hard road' ahead but emphasizes the rewards: 'But at the end of the day, if you’re successful, it’s gonna open up all kinds of doors for you.'
Gender and Skill
Sposito recognizes her pioneering role but downplays the gender aspect of welding. 'I don’t see the gender aspect of it. I mean, welding doesn’t take any brute strength or anything. It’s actually very fine and precise,' she said. She acknowledges that women are a minority in the field, which she fell in love with at age 10. 'Being the first female to do it is very cool,' she added, hoping her success will pave the way for others.
Future Aspirations
Her near-term goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in welding engineering; long-term, she aspires to teach at WCC. She is happy to be 'inspirational for many women in the trades who have possibly struggled.' The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place from September 22 to 27 in Shanghai, China. Evaluation will focus on technical execution, craftsmanship, and stringent international standards. Sposito is eager to test her skills globally and travel abroad for the first time.
