Learn How to Turn Trauma to Teachable Moments with Shanen Aranmór at the 2025 Inspection Expo & Conference, Feb. 5-7

“When you get your CWI, it’s almost like you develop a God complex because everyone expects you to know everything,” says Shanen Aranmór, CWI, CWE and founder of Weld Like a Girl?.? “When you get asked a question and don’t know the answer, you may feel stupid saying you don't know something and might try to bluff your way through. That attitude can get newer CWIs in trouble. The reality is that you can't know all things, and that’s why there are specialties within welding.”?

Knowing what you don’t know is a huge step in being part of a CWI. To help newer CWI’s gain wisdom, Aranmór will share her experience in her presentation titled “Acceptance Criteria versus WPS: What Caused Those Defects?” ?at the Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC), held in St.?Louis, February 5-7, 2025.??

Organized by AWS, the conference offers a comprehensive platform for professionals to engage with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and network with peers at the forefront of inspections and materials integrity. Here’s how attending her talk will benefit CWIs.??

What You’ll Learn in the Session?

Shanen’s presentation will delve into real-world scenarios in which welding processes and acceptance criteria clash. These situations, often riddled with misunderstandings and missteps, lead to defects that could have been prevented. By examining common issues like porosity, undercut, and slag inclusion, Shanen offers practical insights on root causes and preventative measures.?

Whether you’re a new CWI feeling overwhelmed (ask her about the 36-page blueprint she had to interpret!) or an experienced professional looking to refine your skills, Shanen’s talk will address the nuances of an inspection and certification career.??

"If you don’t have a mentor, especially as a new CWI, even just looking at a blueprint can be intimidating. You’re sitting there thinking, 'OK, what do I even do?' You need someone to help you break it down," says Aranmór.?

Why Shanen’s Perspective is Unique?

Shanen’s teaching philosophy is rooted in humility and a willingness to learn. She emphasizes the importance of admitting what you don’t know and seeking solutions—a mindset that resonates across industries. Her ability to transform intimidating scenarios into learning opportunities makes her a relatable and inspiring educator.?

“The first time that I did a welder qualification at Arizona Western College, I had adults almost crying when I explained why their weld would not pass,” she says. “The next time, I had people work in small groups. I set up the inspection tools, handed them the flashlight and asked them what they saw. I’d coach them in what to look for until they could identify the problems to me. As a result, I turned trauma into teachable moments.”?

To add tools to your professional toolbox as a CWI, register to attend the Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC), held in St.?Louis, February 5-7, 2025.??