Totally Trades! Conference for Girls
Washington County – A day-long event designed to encourage females to consider careers in fields traditionally underrepresented by women will bring together participants from schools throughout Washington County on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Washington County Community College Campus.
The Totally Trades! conference will feature many hands-on sessions ranging from heavy equipment operation, automotive repair, computer aided drafting, and carpentry all providing an opportunity for girls to experience some aspect of the profession through various activities.
“We want to give girls a hands-on workshop experience to spark their interest and raise their awareness about a career field they may have not previously considered. Maine’s career and technical education schools and Community College system are doing amazing work introducing young women to programs in nontraditional fields such as building and metal trades, automotive technology, and heavy equipment operations as well as other trade and technology careers. We provide just a sample of opportunities that may be available through local education,” said Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, conference planner and regional manager of the Aroostook center for New Ventures Maine – a statewide organization committed to improving the economic lives of Maine families.
The conference is a free, one-day event for Washington County girls in grades 8 through 12. Funding for the conference is made possible through funding provided by the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Transportation. Additional support and in-kind provisions have been made by Washington County Community College, Spectrum, as well as others.
Conference registration will begin at 8:30 in the lobby of St. Croix Hall, and the day will end by 1:00. Following an official welcome, participants will break into the first of two sessions focusing on a specific career.
Individuals seeking more information on the Totally Trades! conference, or interested in participating/registering should contact Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau at 768-9635 or senechal@maine.edu and check out our website at www.totallytradesmaine.org.