March is Women in the Trades Month, and Questar III BOCES is spotlighting the young women in our Career and Technical Education programs who are developing the technical skills to succeed in male-dominated fields. While women may continue to be underrepresented in fields such as automotive, construction, welding, or aviation, these students prove that talent and passion are what truly define success.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2024, women make up 6.2% or less of the workforce in roles such as firefighters, construction equipment operators, construction and maintenance workers, auto service technicians/mechanics, welders, and more. Every day, female CTE students help to break the mold as they develop skills to be successful in their careers. Throughout March, we’ll be sharing a few of their stories and celebrating all women along the way.
Madisyn Bulson is a Questar III BOCES Heavy Equipment Operations and Maintenance student at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Averill Park Central School District. She is a senior and one of three females in her class. As to what inspired her to join a blue collar, male dominated field, she credits her family.
“I grew up in a blue collar family,” said Madisyn. “I saw the lifestyle it gave them, and I wanted to make it my own. I knew I wanted to be an equipment operator, I want to work outside and do a little traveling.”
Through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on learning, this program gives students the skills to operate and maintain various types of heavy equipment, including backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, and loaders. It also focuses on worker safety, preventative maintenance, and troubleshooting. Students also earn various certifications, which Madisyn finds invaluable.
“I’ve already earned my OSHA10, Dig Safe, and Flagger certifications,” shared Madisyn. “Employers look for these certifications, and it’s a big cost-saver for students that Questar III pays for. By earning these at school, you don’t need to take the time before entering the workforce to do the training, and it’s a great resume filler.”
CTE students learn how to write a resume and prepare a portfolio during English class in their senior year, and Madisyn shared that her portfolio has already helped her secure multiple job offers. She started developing her resume and interview skills in her junior year when she applied to the Youth Apprenticeship Program.
“I was matched with Gallivan Corporation, and it was the best experience I’ve ever had,” said Madisyn. “It’s opened a lot of doors for me and gave me a lot of in-field training that most people in my class didn’t get. I walked back into my classroom in the fall with a whole different experience under my belt. It showed me that graduating from this program, I’m already going to be ahead, and YAP only helps with that because I’ve also spent time in the workforce.”
But it wasn’t always easy. Madisyn had to step out on a limb, hold her ground, and prove that this is where she belongs. She shared that she was a little nervous entering the program, knowing she would be outnumbered.
Madisyn (left) poses with her female classmates her junior year.
“It was intimidating walking into a classroom with 15 guys and only 3 other girls,” shared Madisyn. “In the beginning, it was different – you could tell they didn’t know how to act around us. But as the year went on, and we proved that we knew what we were doing, they started trusting and respecting us. It was similar at Gallivan, being so young and the only female. But I had a great supervisor, and once I proved myself, the other workers put me on the same level playing field.”
Madisyn shared that her apprenticeship at Gallivan was a confidence booster, reinforcing that she truly belonged in this field. But it wasn’t just about wanting to be there. She earned her place through hard work, dedication, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to getting the job done.
After graduation, Madisyn plans to head directly into the workforce and has several job options to weigh out this spring. Her long term goals include attending night classes to earn a construction management degree and eventually opening her own business.
When asked what advice she’d give to other young women considering a career in this or similar fields, Madisyn didn’t hesitate:
“Definitely do it. Blue collar industries aren’t going away, and these programs can really put you ahead. As a female, you’ll need to put your head down, put in the work, and prove yourself, but once you do, you’ll earn their respect. Being here can open a lot of doors for you.”
WTEN stopped by Robert H. Gibson Technical School to do a story on Madisyn and her classmates. Watch the story below:
