Women in trades: Meleeya Bellfield

May 6, 2026 is National Skilled Trades Day. To celebrate, we are highlighting three women who have graduated from DCTC technical programs, including a welder, a lineworker, and an auto technician.

Special thanks to Jenna Baumgard with the DCTC Foundation for help with this story.

Meleeya Bellfield, Welding Technology Class of 2025

Learn more about Welding Technology at DCTC

Meleeya works at Miratech as a level one welder. She says the workplace feels less like showing up to a job and more like joining a team that genuinely has your back. “There’s also a great balance between professionalism and personality; you can joke around, share a laugh, and still stay focused on delivering results,” she said.

“On a typical day, I work with metal – cutting, shaping, and joining pieces together using different techniques,” Meleeya said. “No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the things I like most. It includes reading blueprints to understand exactly how something needs to be built, measuring everything to make sure it’s within tolerance, then setting up the right tools and materials to get the job done.”

“Once I begin welding, I focus on maintaining control and consistency. I have to pay close attention to heat levels, angles, and movement to make sure the weld is clean and solid. Different projects require different techniques, and sometimes I have to adjust on the spot if something isn’t coming together the way it should.”

Meleeya with her uncle Sean.

Family and fun

Meleeya’s family and her best friend have always been a big part of her life, and her boyfriend is also very supportive. She loves spending time with her nieces and nephews.

She also enjoys going mudding and hitting the gun range to clear her head and recharge. She says taking time to step outside, breathe, and just be present really helps bring her back to what matters most.

The path to DCTC

Meleeya with nephew Greyson.Meleeya chose Dakota County Technical College because it was close, affordable, and really focused on hands-on learning. “I’m not really into just sitting in a classroom all day,” she said. “I’d rather actually do the work and put in the hours.”

Meleeya was drawn to the trades because she wanted a career where her work mattered and she could see tangible results. “I wanted a field where skill and effort speak louder than anything else, and where I could build a career that’s mine through hard work and dedication.”

Meleeya Q&A

What contributed to your success at DCTC?

What contributed most to my success at Dakota County Technical College was the support I got from the people around me. Instructor Britt Lee was a huge part of that, he always took the time to teach me, answer my questions, and make sure I really understood things. Honestly, his guidance is what helped me graduate four months early.

Also, my uncle Sean who got me started and kept me motivated when things got challenging. He showed me what it truly means to work for what you want. He taught me that nothing in life is handed to you. You have to stay focused, put in the effort, and earn it. Those lessons stuck with me, and they continue to shape how I move through life. Hard work, consistency, and determination will always take you further than expecting anything to come easy.

In a field where women are underrepresented, what approaches have supported your professional growth and success?

Being a woman in a field where there aren’t many didn’t really bother me. I just focused on learning and getting better. What really helped me grow were the people around me.

What advice would you give to women considering a two-year technical college and a career in a traditionally male-dominated trade?

When you focus on precision, stay consistent, and hold yourself to a high standard, that speaks for itself. That’s been my mindset from the start. Don’t be afraid to take up space. You deserve to be there just as much as anyone else. And once you’re in it, don’t quit on yourself because you’re capable of way more than you think. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” or confident to start. Confidence comes after you’ve put in the reps, not before. At the end of the day, it’s simply your work that defines you, and that’s all it should ever come down to.

How did your time at DCTC contribute to your career success?

My time at Dakota County Technical College really set me up for success because it was hands-on, and I got to actually do the work. My uncle encouraged me and even though I was used to working mostly with men, it was never a barrier. Britt helped me gain the skills, confidence, and experience I needed to succeed in welding.

Meleeya with nephew Westin.

Instructor Britt Lee Q&A

Britt Lee, Welding Instructor

What stands out to you when you think back on Meleeya as a student?

Meleeya was a natural leader and talented with a positive attitude and a helper to others in class.

What changes or advancements have you observed in your industry that have improved support for women in your field?

More women are coming into the industry every year with much success and breaking barriers in the industry.

What have you noticed about student enrollment in your program, as well as the broader industry, when it comes to having more females?

We have seen more women in the program year over year. This year we have 12 in the program.

What advice would you offer to female students who are considering careers in traditionally male-dominated industries, specifically yours?

Don’t be afraid to go for it, many times women have more attention to detail and a steadier hand than men in the trade.