Shianne - Clackamas Community College
In her own words...
"The Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation scholarship helped me get ahead in a way that I could not have done on my own."
Shianne hasn’t been in the working world for a very long time, she has tried her hand at a variety of jobs: Wildland firefighter for a season, kid’s train operator, Oregon licensed private unarmed security guard, and a candy shop employee. While all of these jobs helped build her skills none of them were leading her to a career, something she always wanted. When she heard about the welding program at Clackamas where she could learn while bringing in a paycheck, it all came together.
"My great grandmother was a welder in the shipyards. Now I am proud to say that I can share in the same field that she spent her life in. She was in demand for the task of welding because she was petite and could fit in smaller spaces than the people that she worked with. I am able to do the same with this job! I am petite and my stature lends itself to climbing in and out of the brewery manways."
One thing that is particularly important to note is the importance of the proper tools and gear, especially for women, when it comes to welding. With the help of AWMH and the Metallica Scholar Initiative these costs get covered.
"I would grab a few cheap tools when I would get a paycheck but the list was just too much, and a proper welding helmet is a large chunk of money. When I received my helmet I knew it would be a good piece of equipment and last for a long time. I can finally get to the point in life where I can be self-sustaining and even help my folks along the way. I am so grateful for the opportunity through the college, TechHire, ICC NW and Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation."
Clackamas Community College worked closely with ICC Northwest to create and fund a “learn and earn” training program for 11 new hires with a focus on Temporary Assistance for NeedyFamilies (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) participants. Shianne is one of 11 students to participate in the "learn and earn" program offered at Clackamas, it has quickly become the framework for the Metallica Scholars Initiative at the school.
