Elaine James Builds Ships—And a Life She’s Proud Of

For Elaine James, shipbuilding is more than a job. Welding gave her life-changing opportunities that she wants others to have.

“If I was talking to another woman about shipbuilding and she was interested, I would tell her she could have a job that she would feel very proud of,” she says.

And proud James sure is. Through welding, she found a path to financial independence, the ability to provide for her family on her own terms.

“It changed my life a lot. I was able to buy my own house all on my own as a single mom. I was able to drive a nice car, all on my own,” she says.

The work itself is challenging. But for someone willing to show up and work hard, it’s incredibly rewarding.

“You actually feel responsible for life sometimes,” she says, thinking about the ships she’s helped build. “You feel proud knowing that people go out and work on something you helped make.”

Ready to change your life through the trades just like James? Learn how NCCER can help you get the training you need to start your own rewarding career.