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.
Jessica Savignaro, President of Savignaro Construction, networks with students at Robert H. Gibson Technical School’s Women in the Trades Group meeting.
Two of Questar III BOCES’ technical schools host a Women in the Trades group to support young women in our CTE programs. Guided by Lakia Walker, Work Based Learning Coordinator and Jo Adele Foster, School Social Worker at Donald R. Kline Technical School, and Joan Rogers, Work-Based Learning Coordinator and Allison Janis, School Psychologist at Robert H. Gibson Technical School, the groups meet monthly to discuss various challenges that female students may endure in their male-dominated CTE program. The goal is to provide them with a safe space to discuss these challenges, give advice on how to overcome them, share their experiences, and support one another.
Breanna Kristiansen, a former Construction student currently working at Greco Constructions, shares her experience with students at Robert H. Gibson Technical School.
This year, Robert H. Gibson Technical School has welcomed several guest speakers to meet with the juniors and seniors, other strong women working in male-dominated fields. Having these women as guests offers a glimpse into what it can be like for a woman in the field and provides real-life advice and support to our students. Guests this year include Jessica Savignaro, President of Savignaro Construction; Breanna Kristiansen, a former Questar III BOCES Construction student now working at Greco Construction; and Aerianna Kristel, Questar III BOCES HVAC teaching assistant who is an alum of the program. Donald R. Kline Technical School plans to host similar guests in the near future.
The groups have been a great way for our female students across programs to connect. They have become proud advocates for women in the trades, encouraging others to join them. Welding students from Donald R. Kline Technical School and members of their group created this video to showcase Women in the Trades:
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