WorldSkills UK SkillWeld Champion Yasmin Whale: Inspiring Welding Careers & Female Welders 

It was my pleasure to interview Yasmin Whale of GYS UK, who in 2025 was appointed WorldSkills UK Skills Champion. Yasmin has previously competed in a SkillWeld Competition and has progressed through the industry as a Welder, before becoming a Technical Demonstrator, and now works as a Technical Sales Engineer. I found Yasmin very laid back, tackling my questions with honesty, integrity, and passion, including some challenging questions. We started the conversation light, then moved into the questions below. 

Please note, this article will be written using an interview approach: 

So, Yasmin, let’s start off with… Who are GYS and what are GYS like to work for? 

GYS UK is a leading European manufacturer of welding equipment. They manufacture Battery Chargers, Welding Equipment, and Collision Repair Equipment . I personally LOVE GYS. It’s not only a great company to work for, and they produce excellent products . I love it because the products GYS offer are so inclusive of skill level; for example, the Welding Equipment starts at hobbyist Welding, through to heavy industrial and automotive applications. Every customer can be served. 

Let’s talk about finding your passion. How did you get into Welding and Fabrication? 

It all started when I realised I didn’t want to go to university, and I didn’t want to continue with my A-Levels. I didn’t really find Business, Art, and IT exciting. I decided to leave after my first year and went to Selby College and said, “I want to do something hands-on every day.” They offered courses like Hairdressing and Beauty, which didn’t appeal to me. So, I looked at my other options and found that one stood out: Mechanical Engineering. It included Lathe work and some Welding (my first process was Stick Welding or MMA). At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it, but I enjoy hands-on projects, and it turned out I really enjoyed it. 

Understanding that you didn’t want to go down the (historically) traditional route for young women, do you find more women are empowered to choose Engineering or, for us, Welding and Fabrication? 

Yes, 100%. I spend time at colleges helping with equipment and engaging students in educational activities. The more places I visit, the more I see young women passionate about Engineering… and I absolutely love it. 

Is the industry finally becoming more inclusive? 

Yeah, I do. The Equality Act 2010 has helped, and now it’s more natural to see women in male-dominated roles. Women are seen as individuals rather than exceptions, though diversity is still highlighted in certain settings. 

How did your career evolve after college? 

After college, I did an Apprenticeship with a contracting company, gaining experience in different welding applications. After about six years, I decided to specialise in TIG Welding. I then joined Ginetta as a full-time TIG welder, which allowed me to learn more about the industry and showcase my skills. 

During this time, Lincoln Electric contacted me about a Welding Demonstrator role. I interviewed and was offered the job quickly. I had been at Ginetta for about a year. I travelled, tested cutting-edge equipment, and learned how different tools perform in various scenarios. Being able to advise customers confidently, not just sell a product, was important. I demonstrated for roughly nine months before being promoted to Technical Sales Representative, which allowed me to focus on the wider business picture, from shop floor to HR and CAD design. 

How did it feel to be ‘headhunted’ so early in your career? 

It didn’t feel real! I was ecstatic and a little in shock, especially as I was an ex-competitor in the SkillWeld Competition. I still feel honoured that Lincoln reached out to me. 

Was it challenging moving from a hands-on welding role to a corporate sales role? 

It was nerve-wracking at first, but I reminded myself it’s a transition. I had a lot to learn, but my knowledge grew quickly, and I adapted. My skills were now applied in a broader business context. 

Tell me about your SkillWeld competition experience. 

I’m competitive by nature, so competing was intense, especially as the only girl. It added pressure, but I relished it. I went in thinking, “I don’t care if I don’t win, because I’ve taken part,” and making it to the top ten was incredibly rewarding. Having the support of my colleagues at Relentless Engineering made a huge difference. They encouraged me, let me practice during work hours, and gave me tough love when needed. Their support gave me the confidence to mentor the next generation. 

How does it feel to break boundaries and challenge expectations? 

It feels good. I’m proud to have broken the boundaries I faced as a young female welder. I’m just Yas, but I pushed hard to prove myself and it paid off. 

How did your appointment as WorldSkills UK Skills Champion come about? 

Ex-competitors can sign up for notifications. Stephen Haymes from SkillWeld reached out, suggesting I’d be a great fit. I’m passionate about encouraging women into welding and want to support students and apprentices, showing them the fun and opportunities in the trade. 

What advice would you give students thinking about a SkillWeld Qualifier? 

DO IT! You don’t lose anything. Even if you don’t win, you gain experience, exposure, and opportunities. Networking alone can be a huge win. 

What advice would you give your younger self? 

“Relax. Honestly, Yasmin… just relax.” I put too much pressure on myself back then. I’d tell my younger self to enjoy the experience rather than stress about winning. 

How could The Welding Institute better support students and apprentices? 

Engage more with young people leaving school, showing them career options and pathways in engineering. Highlight opportunities in welding and fabrication and help them see the industry’s possibilities. 

As a leading voice in promoting welding careers, Yasmin Whale’s journey highlights the impact of organisations like The Welding Institute, WorldSkills UK, and GYS UK in shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. Through initiatives such as SkillWeld UK competitions and apprenticeship programs, these organisations provide invaluable opportunities for students and apprentices to gain hands-on experience, develop expertise, and connect with industry mentors. Yasmin’s story is a testament to how supportive networks, access to cutting-edge GYS UK welding equipment, and platforms like WorldSkills UK can inspire welders to pursue fulfilling and innovative careers in engineering and fabrication. 

Thank you for reading! Follow Yasmin on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Editor: Callum Williamson 
Education, Accreditation and Approvals Officer