Empowering Future Generations: Junior High Girls Explore Careers in Manufacturing

Celebrating Women in Construction Week

March 2 to March 8 marks Women in Construction Week. In a significant initiative, Black Hawk College hosted its third Women in Manufacturing Summit, providing over 100 junior high girls the opportunity to explore exciting career paths in manufacturing.

Engaging Activities and Learning Opportunities

Students from six schools participated in hands-on activities, including virtual reality welding and learning about computer programming, robotics, business, and human resources. This interactive experience aimed to inspire young women to consider careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Breaking Down Barriers

Cambridge student Carly Dale shared her transformation, stating, "Before, I always thought I didn't want to get judged for wanting to do certain things... now that I see how many people of my gender are doing this kind of stuff, it’s opening (opportunities) more to me."

Dr. Richard Bush, Associate Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Black Hawk College, emphasized the shortage of skilled workers in the area and the unique perspectives women bring to these careers. "We hope that this event will give them an opportunity to see that this is something they can do, something that they can excel at, and something that they can build a life around," he said.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Eighth grader Taylor Odeen, interested in manufacturing, expressed her desire to follow in her father and uncle's footsteps in welding. "Being a woman and seeing that kind of stuff, it's kind of really cool, seeing that women could do that too," she remarked.

Dr. Bush acknowledged that it may take a few years to see the impact of this initiative as attendees enter the workforce, but he remains optimistic about the investment in their future. "What we're finding is that their passion is raging as they leave this, knowing that this is something that they can follow in the future," he concluded.