Kerry Cooper tutors welding through Fraser High School Adult and Community Education, but one of his classes has a distinctive focus. SheWeld is a women-only evening course designed to provide a supportive entry point for women who want to learn practical welding skills.

Kerry originally trained as a fitter welder more than 20 years ago. Growing up in Taranaki, he says that in those days many young men were encouraged into trades whether or not it suited them. While he enjoyed the craft of welding, he never felt comfortable in the culture of the workshop environment.