Adrian, MI – For some students, discovering a future career starts with seeing someone else doing a job they never imagined for themselves. That's the idea behind the LISD TECH Center's first-ever Women in the Trades event, an opportunity for ninth-grade girls across Lenawee County to hear directly from women who are building successful careers in the skilled trades.

The event will take place Wednesday, November 4, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the LISD TECH Center in Adrian. Students will have the opportunity to meet women working in industries such as residential construction, concrete and electrical trades, hear about their experiences, and ask questions about careers they may not have considered before.

For Jenny Heath, LISD Assistant Superintendent of General Services and Career and Technical Education, the idea grew from attending a similar event in another county. She saw the potential to bring that same experience to students in Lenawee County and approached colleagues about making it happen.

Heath sees the event as an opportunity to introduce young women to career pathways they may eventually explore firsthand through LISD TECH Center programs.

"We know that young women have traditionally been underrepresented in the skilled trades, and we want to help change that," Heath said. "Sometimes students just need an opportunity to see what a career involves, try something hands-on, and realize it might be something they really enjoy."

Amy Heckel, LISD Supervisor of Placement Services and Adult Learning Services, was excited about the idea from the beginning. With growing conversations about the need for more young people to enter the skilled trades, she believes it's equally important that young women recognize those opportunities are available to them.

The event will feature a panel of four to five women representing different skilled trades industries. Panelists will share their experiences, answer prepared questions, and participate in an open conversation where students can ask questions of their own.

Heath believes those conversations could be one of the most valuable parts of the morning.

"It's one thing for us to tell students that women can be successful in the skilled trades, but it's completely different when they hear it directly from women who are actually doing the work," Heath said. "They get to hear their stories, learn how they got started, and ask questions. I think those conversations can have a real impact on students."

While the event is about introducing students to career possibilities, its timing is just as intentional.

Each year, eighth-grade students from across Lenawee County visit the LISD TECH Center to explore its programs. They return in tenth grade for more focused tours before deciding whether to apply for a program during their junior year. Ninth grade, however, is a year when students typically have less direct interaction with the LISD TECH Center.

Heckel hopes this event helps fill that gap, particularly for students who may be curious about the trades but hesitant to explore them further.

"If we get some of their questions or concerns answered in ninth grade, then they may be confident in choosing a trades pathway for their tour in tenth grade," Heckel explained.

That confidence matters in industries where women have historically been underrepresented. Heath believes a lack of exposure, along with lingering stereotypes, can sometimes keep students from considering careers they might otherwise enjoy.

"If you've never seen a woman working as an electrician, welder, or carpenter, you might not think of those careers as options for yourself," Heath said. "There are still some stereotypes about the skilled trades, and I think we have an opportunity to help break those down by showing students what's possible."

Those possibilities extend well beyond the classroom. Careers in construction, manufacturing, welding, automotive technology and other skilled trades can offer competitive wages, benefits, advancement opportunities and even the chance to own a business. Apprenticeships can also provide a way to earn money while developing skills and gaining experience.

Still, neither Heath nor Heckel expects students to leave the event with their futures figured out.

"We're certainly not expecting a ninth grader to know what she wants to do for the rest of her life!" Heath said. "We just want students to explore, ask questions, and learn about opportunities they may not have known existed."

For Heckel, the hope is that students who have wondered whether they belong in the trades will leave with fewer doubts and a better understanding of what they can accomplish.

The women volunteering their time to participate will play an important role in making that happen. By sharing their own experiences, they may help students picture themselves following a similar path.

"I think sometimes we underestimate how much of an impact a conversation can have on a young person," Heath said. "They may be inspiring someone to consider a career they never thought was possible."

And if even one student leaves the event thinking differently about her future, Heath will consider that a success.

"For me, success would be hearing a student say, 'I never thought about doing that before,' or 'That actually looks pretty cool!'" she said.

The inaugural Women in the Trades event is open to ninth-grade female students through participating Lenawee County school districts. Districts interested in attending are asked to confirm participation and anticipated student numbers by Wednesday, October 28.

For the young women who attend, November 4 may be more than a chance to learn about the skilled trades. It could be the day they discover a career they never knew they wanted to pursue.