First in the prefecture! Maki Ota, a female ironworker
Our company is actively promoting the use of women in the workplace, and I would like to introduce some of them to you. That is “Maki Ota, ironworker”. We are the first “ironworker woman” in the prefecture to obtain the “Engineer Level 1” qualification, which is difficult even for male employees to obtain. Her achievements were so popular that they were even featured on TV programs. Here, I would like to interview her about her motivation and her thoughts about her work.
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Maki Ota. It’s been 15 years since I joined the company.
My hobby is traveling, but I can’t plan it often, so I often go to the movies on my days off.
Please tell me the reason for joining the company.
I had no experience at all, but since I was introduced by an acquaintance, I thought I would try it.
Why did you want to become an ironworker?
When I was introduced to this company, I was in the prime of raising children, but I was born and raised in the local Kazuno City, which had developed in the industry, so I was always interested in manufacturing, so I decided to work for this company because I wanted to try making things locally while raising my children.
Did you have any trouble getting the qualification?
In the limited time of 4 hours, it was necessary to complete the specified product using the prepared material, but the bending of the angle was difficult. I had a hard time aligning the holes.
I think it’s a male-dominated workplace.
After all, this job is mainly for men, so I didn’t know what to do when I first joined the company, but now I don’t care.
The company, the job satisfaction, etc.
I feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement when the product is completed according to the drawing. That’s the real pleasure of making things.
I made an iron torii of a shrine in Kosakacho, and I was very happy when I saw the completion.
Messages to Working Women
Women can also work as ironworkers.
Please try more and more things you are interested in!
