March marks Women in the Trades Month, a celebration of the growing number of women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Throughout the month, Questar III BOCES is spotlighting female Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who are building skills, breaking barriers, and paving the way for even more young women.
Women make up less than 5% of all skilled trade workers in the United States. But this number is rising, as more women attend career and technical education and trade schools. With the country facing a shortage of skilled trade workers, women are helping to fill the gap, bringing their talent, perspectives, and skills to the table.
Mia Robles is a senior in the HVAC program at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Rensselaer CSD.
Mia Robles is a senior in the Questar III BOCES HVAC program at Robert H. Gibson Technical School from Rensselaer City School District. She is also a New York State SkillsUSA Officer, serving as Vice President of Area III.
“In middle school, I chose an engineering elective,” Mia said. “I had a really wonderful teacher, Mr. Bryden, and I really enjoyed being hands-on. He told me about BOCES and how I could be even more hands-on on a larger scale. When I toured Questar, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
When first exploring CTE programs, Mia considered Construction, HVAC, and Nursing, influenced by her father, a nursing professor. She ultimately realized nursing wasn’t the right fit, and after reflecting on the physical demands of construction, found her place in HVAC.
Mia shared some of what she’s learned, including brazing, soldering, and how to wire a thermostat. Students spend two years in the program, learning the skills to design, install, and repair HVAC/R systems, while also developing soft skills and becoming college and career ready. Career readiness also includes earning certifications, including the EPA 608, required of all HVAC technicians, and OSHA 10.
“There’s a benefit to getting these certifications while you’re young,” Mia said. “If an employer is between you and another person who doesn’t have it, you’re going to be more likely to get hired. And, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for it.”
Mia Robles works on a furnace while working with Main Care Energy.
Mia already had her first employment experience when she was matched with Main Care Energy last summer through our Youth Apprenticeship Program. This program gives students a chance to earn a minimum of 200 hours of paid, on the job training. It allows employers to connect with young talent who are eager to work.
“They had me try the office on my first day, and if I liked it, I could work there all summer,” Mia said. “I went crazy, I thought it was so boring. So, then I went out into the field. I was partnered with different senior HVAC techs. We’d go into people’s homes, take care of the job, and wait for the next job to come through. I learned some really good customer service skills and how to troubleshoot. I was excited to go to work every morning, and I know not a lot of people get to say that.”
During her apprenticeship, Mia was the only female tech. This wasn’t anything new for her, as she is the only female student in her class. She is grateful to at least have a female teaching assistant, Aerianna Kristel (Ms. A), to confide in.
“I was definitely nervous when I started,” Mia said. “When we did our walk through, I assumed there would be at least one other girl who signed up for the program. But I came and saw a class full of guys. There have been a few tough days, but I know Ms. A has my back. It’s nice because I know she understands.”
While working in the field at Main Care Energy, Mia laughed at some of the feedback from customers. She shared that while female customers would hype her up, she had many instances where male customers thought she was the senior tech’s daughter or granddaughter.
“I just let it roll,” Mia explained. “The daughter or granddaughter comments, I see the age difference. As long as I’m getting paid.”
Mia shared a story about a young girl who attended Holiday House last year, a SkillsUSA fundraiser designed for young children to explore the trades and celebrate the holiday season. She shared how a father brought his young daughter into the HVAC room for an activity and she seemed interested in the program.
“She kept looking at my pink safety glasses and asked if I was in the program,” Mia said. “Talking to her, I thought it was the sweetest thing ever. It made me want to continue my passion! Her dad told her that she could be in the program someday. When I hear a little girl tell me that I’m what they want to be, that’s really inspiring.”
Mia Robles (right) poses in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC with Josh Trop (left), Questar III Gaming student and NYS SkillsUSA Officer at Large – Community Service.
Last year, Mia ran for a SkillsUSA New York State officer position. She compared the campaign experience to something she did when she was younger.
“Growing up, I did a lot of pageants and public speaking, I’ve always enjoyed having that platform,” Mia shared. “I had to design a poster, hand out tchotchkes, give a speech, interview, take a SkillsUSA quiz, and answer an on stage question, all to get student votes. I really enjoyed my experience, and now I play a part in the Area III Regional Conference.”
Being Vice President has allowed Mia to use her voice and leadership skills to promote and advocate for the trades in Washington, DC, attend and help organize leadership conferences, work with other officers across the state on SkillsUSA bylaws, and more. She is also responsible for running the SkillsUSA New York State Instagram page.
With graduation just a couple of months away, Mia is preparing for what comes next. She will be attending Hudson Valley Community College in the fall for Business Administration, and hopes to return to Main Care Energy. In the future, she’d like to see herself as the CEO of an HVAC business.
“Really make sure that you love the program you’re in,” Mia said. “It’s going to be hard and a lot of work, so you have to make sure you really love it. And I do.”