More than 100 high school students participated in the program, which aims to encourage young women to pursue careers in engineering.
SIGNET, Ohio — A local organization is focused on helping inspire young women to pursue careers in a male-dominated world.
Approximately 112 high school girls participated in the Signet apprenticeship program. They learned how to operate heavy equipment, and many participants said the program gave them hope for the future.
SheDig is a two-day experience event for 3rd and 4th year female high school students.
Rylan Ladd was one of the seniors at Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion. He plans to join Local 18 after graduating from high school.
“Meeting different people is a big goal for me, and I hope to be able to travel for work someday,” Rudd said.
DeCarlos Hall is a local 18 Ohio Operating Engineer Apprenticeship Instructor. He said the apprenticeship program started in 2019 and has continued to grow since then.
“This year we have the highest number of women ever, so we’re hopeful that next year we’ll surpass that number and even have the highest number of women ever,” Hall said. “We want to continue and continue to grow,” Hall said.
Christina Lee, a recent graduate and current Local 18 crane operator, returned this year to show young women that it is possible to build a career in this type of work.
“I think it’s a big step for us women to step into a male-dominated workforce,” Lee said. “Sometimes it’s hard to put yourself out there and say things that go against the norm. So I think it’s definitely encouraging that more women are interested and finding their place.”
Ms Lee said it was very encouraging to see more women considering the possibility of a career in engineering.
“It can be difficult sometimes, so it means a lot to know that other women are there to support you,” Ms. Lee said. “It can sometimes feel very isolating to be the only woman in the workplace, but it’s really encouraging to see a new wave of young women interested in the industry.”
Instructors say the goal is to add 100 young women each year and add a third day of training.
