The 4th annual "Future Women of Welding" competition finds the best in the area

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The next generation of women welders will compete for top honors for the 4th year.

WDRB's Keith Kaiser learned what it takes to win when the competition heats up.

David McCoy, Senior Welding Instructor at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, saw more and more girls getting interested in welding over his more than 20 years.

The idea for a competition came a few years ago and recruited the help of UA Local 502. It's a celebration of the growing number of young female professionals in the industry.

They had 36 competitors for the first competition last year with about $15,000 worth of donations. This year, the event is limited to 50 competitors per day, across three levels (15 per level), totaling 100 participants over two days.

Girls in high school welding programs at schools across the state are eligible.

The skill requires attention-to-detail and focus.

Students were separated into groups based on their ages and tested on basic knowledge, skills and techniques. They are judged on how well they complete welding projects and blueprints.