Nearly 200 female high school students aspiring to work in non-traditional workforce roles converged on the HFM Career and Technical Center recently to gain insight from other women who are paving the way for future generations in historically male dominated roles.
The inaugural ‘Women in the Workforce’ career exploration and awareness event featured students from 11 HFM area high schools as well as 50 industry professionals. The event featured a panel discussion, moderated by HFM Career and Technical Education Assistant Principal Kristina Marshall, as well as roundtable conversations. It was a joint effort between HFM CTE and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. This event was part of their Career Support Series aimed at expanding regional economic growth and workforce development.
“Our goal was to expand students’ knowledge of careers that they may not otherwise consider,” said HFM Career and Technical Education Assistant Principal Kristina Marshall. “We were excited to host this event that connected students with professionals and facilitated conversations that might influence their future goals.”
The industry professionals in attendance represented a variety of non-traditional careers, including auto body repair, auto technology, construction technology, criminal justice, environmental conservation, robotics and engineering, skilled trades and more. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, non-traditional careers for women are defined as those with a female employment rate of 25% or less.
Canajoharie student Haile Hillicoss said that hearing from the women in the room was very inspiring.
“I really like the good points that the speakers made, especially talking about how we as women can enter a male dominated field and prove that we belong.” The sophomore said that she is already considering a career in the welding industry.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation police officer Melissa Burgess was one of the industry professionals to share her experiences. She encouraged female students considering non-traditional careers to seize the opportunity.
“Put yourself out there. Everyone deserves to be successful, happy, and enjoy what they do everyday,” said Burgess. “Don’t limit yourself.”
‘Women in the Workforce’ is just one of the Career Support Series of events to take place this year. Past programs included ‘Career Con’ and ‘Healthcare Conversations’ which have provided meaningful and robust career exploration opportunities to students of the HFM BOCES region.
HFM CTE will also partner with the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District to host a skilled trades and engineering fair on March 27.
