“What next?” is a question many graduates find themselves asking. After completing her BTech, Komal Bangar was no different. However, she was certain about one thing – she didn’t want to stay within theory. She wanted something more practical, something she could work on, learn from, and grow with. Welding wasn’t something she had planned for, but when the opportunity came, she chose to explore it.
In many parts of India, career choices are often shaped by familiarity, by what has been seen, heard, and accepted over time. Technical fields like welding and manufacturing, despite being central to industrial growth, are still widely perceived through a narrow lens. For many young women, stepping into such spaces is not just a career decision; it is a conscious move beyond expectation.
At Fronius India, this narrative is gradually evolving, driven by a new generation of professionals who are choosing skill, curiosity, and hands-on learning over convention. Among them is Komal Bangar, who works as a Trainee System Engineer at Fronius India, where she supports technical solutions in the welding industry. Her manufacturing journey took shape through exploration. Over time, it turned into a path she chose with confidence.
It is stories like these that Machine Maker brings forward through the #Womanufacturing campaign, where careers are shaped as much by curiosity as by choice, and where more women are steadily finding their place in the manufacturing ecosystem.
Where It All Began
Komal grew up in Beed, Maharashtra, in a family that always encouraged education. It was seen as a way to build a future, and that belief shaped how she approached her own goals. Her mother, Rukmini Bangar, a homemaker, managed the home with consistency and care. Her father, Raosaheb Bangar, a retired Army professional, brought discipline and a strong sense of responsibility into her life. Together, they created an environment where she could think independently and make her own decisions.
“I come from a family that values education,” she shares. “They always encouraged me to follow my dreams.” When she first spoke about her interest in welding, the reaction at home was one of surprise. It was not a familiar career option, especially within the context of her hometown.
“At first, they were surprised,” she says. “Because it’s not a common field for women.”
However, what began as hesitation soon transformed into encouragement. As her family saw her confidence in the decision and her willingness to commit to it, their initial reaction gave way to steady and wholehearted support. That belief became an important anchor, allowing her to move forward without second-guessing her choices.
An Opportunity That Came at the Right Time
After graduation, Komal was exploring options that would help her grow both professionally and personally. She wanted a role where learning would continue beyond textbooks.
“I wanted to work in a field where I could apply my knowledge practically,” she explains. “I was exploring opportunities that would help me grow.” That search led her to the Fronius Advanced Competence Training (FACT) programme through her college placement cell. The structure of the programme stood out because it offered practical exposure along with technical learning.
“I decided to join because I wanted to strengthen my technical skills and gain hands-on experience,” she says.
FACT promised exposure. It promised hands-on learning. It promised a chance to step into the real world of manufacturing. And for Komal, that was enough to take the leap. Looking back, she recognises how important the timing was.
“FACT came at the right time for me.”
From Fundamentals to Hands-On Skills
Joining the fourth batch of FACT marked a transition from academic learning to practical experience. The training introduced her to welding step by step, starting from the basics and moving towards more advanced applications.
“I learned welding from the basics to the advanced level,” she says. “Working on actual systems helped me understand how things function in real situations.” The programme also included cybersecurity awareness, safety practices, and soft skills. These areas prepared her for real working environments where technical knowledge alone is not enough. On the shop floor, the learning felt more intense and immediate. It required attention to detail, patience, and the ability to respond when things did not go as expected.
“You learn how to handle real situations,” she says. “You learn patience and how to solve problems step by step.”
What stood out most during this phase was the opportunity to work directly with machines and systems on the shop floor. This hands-on experience played a crucial role in building her confidence. It allowed her to move beyond theoretical understanding and develop the ability to apply her knowledge in practical situations. Over time, she became more comfortable handling equipment, solving problems, and approaching tasks with greater clarity.
“There’s a different kind of confidence that comes when you actually do something yourself,” she says. “When you see that you can handle it.” As she progressed through the training, Komal began to recognise that Welding goes beyond just joining metals. It contributes to building structures and supports industries that shape the future. This realisation added a new dimension to her learning, making the work feel both meaningful and impactful.
The Moment That Stayed With Her
There are certain moments that stay with you because they change how you see yourself. For Komal, one such moment came during a challenging welding task as part of her training. It required precision, focus, and persistence. Completing it successfully gave her a sense of achievement. The appreciation that followed made it more meaningful.
“When I received appreciation from my mentors, I felt really proud,” she says. “That moment gave me confidence.”
It was a moment of validation, an acknowledgement that her efforts and skills were recognised. More importantly, it helped her see that she was capable of building a career in this field. This experience marked a shift in her mindset. What initially began as exploration started to feel like a clear direction.
“It made me feel that I can build a career in this field.” That moment became a turning point, strengthening her belief in her chosen path.
When Doubt Showed Up, She Showed Up Stronger
Entering a field where representation is still evolving brought its own set of challenges. Komal had to navigate situations where her technical ability was questioned, often through the lens of gender, and she had to establish credibility through her work.
“There were times when people doubted whether I could handle advanced systems or provide technical solutions,” she says. Along with that came the pressure of solving problems within time constraints. “I had to adapt to that pressure,” she explains.
Rather than allowing these challenges to discourage her, she chose to focus on building her knowledge and skills. She approached each task with seriousness and consistency, ensuring that her work reflected her capabilities. Over time, this approach began to yield results.
“I decided to prove my ability through my work,” she says. “Every time I solved a problem, it helped build my confidence.”
Each problem she solved and each system she understood contributed to building trust among her peers and colleagues. With time, her work began to speak for itself. The same spaces that once questioned her ability began to trust it. Her journey reflects a reality many women face, but it also shows how persistence and skill gradually shift perception.
Becoming the Professional She Imagined
Today, as a Trainee System Engineer at Fronius India, Komal is actively involved in supporting technical solutions within the welding industry. Her role requires her to understand industrial requirements, assist with advanced welding systems, and contribute to the implementation of efficient and effective solutions. The responsibility has shaped her approach to work and strengthened her independence.
“This career has increased my confidence and independence,” she says. “I feel more capable of handling responsibilities now.”
One of her proudest moments came when she applied her training to real projects and saw the outcome. “When I saw my work making a difference and received appreciation from my team, it felt really good,” she shares. These moments reinforce her belief that her work matters and that she is contributing to something larger than herself.
The People Who Shaped the Journey
Throughout her journey, mentors and trainers have played an important role in guiding Komal’s development. Their support extended beyond technical instruction, helping her understand the discipline and attention to detail required in manufacturing. They emphasised the importance of safety, precision, and consistency, while also encouraging her to stay patient and persistent in the face of challenges. These lessons have become an integral part of how she approaches her work today.
“They taught me the importance of precision, patience, and safety,” she says. “They encouraged me to stay focused and keep improving.”
Equally important was the confidence they instilled in her. Their encouragement helped her overcome self-doubt and remain focused on her goals. This combination of technical guidance and personal support has been instrumental in shaping her journey.
“Their support helped me believe in my abilities.”
The Journey Continues
When Komal looks back at her journey so far, she sees steady progress shaped by learning, effort, and the willingness to try something new. Her message to young women considering careers in manufacturing is simple and grounded in experience:
“Do not let stereotypes define your path.”
It is a reminder that careers are not always linear or predefined. Sometimes, they are discovered through exploration, strengthened by support, and shaped through persistence. Sometimes, the only thing standing between uncertainty and achievement is the decision to try. And as Komal Bangar’s journey shows, when courage meets opportunity and is backed by belief, you don’t just follow a set path; you begin to build one that others can walk on too.
