MARQUETTE, Mich. (WBUP/WJMN) — Northern Michigan University’s Women in Construction Initiative welcomed high school students to its annual Career Exploration Day on Friday, transforming the Jacobetti Complex into a hands-on training ground designed to inspire the next generation of tradeswomen.
Participants had the chance to rotate through various construction stations, testing their skills in carpentry, welding, electrical work, and more — all under the guidance of industry professionals and NMU instructors.
"We've been doing various activities. We made pumpkins in the construction area. After lunch, I'll be moving on to the welding, which I think we're making dragonflies today," said Hayden Schetter, a senior at Marquette Senior High School. "We had a bunch of booths with little interactives and a little heart out of PVC pipes today."
For some, it was their first introduction to skilled trades. For others, it had already become a yearly tradition.
Ava Jennings, also a senior at MSHS, has attended the event for three consecutive years. She explained how welcoming the atmosphere is, no matter a student’s background.
"There (are) always new faces. We're always new students, and everybody's coming from a different level. So there's always someone (at) a relatable level with you as you're working and you never feel out of place."
Unlike typical career fairs, the Women in Construction Career Day is designed intentionally to remove barriers many young women face in male-dominated industries.
"It's a very safe environment, and it's comforting knowing that I can practice all of these trades and wiring, and electrical, and wood, and welding, and be safe, because it is all women and I don't have to worry about being judged," said Jennings.
Both students emphasized how visibility and mentorship play a crucial role in encouraging women to explore nontraditional career paths.
"I think it's important for women to see that they can do this work in all these fields, because a lot of them are male-dominated, and I think it's important to see that they are capable of doing it just as well as men are," added Schetter.
Construction industry leaders nationwide are facing labor shortages, particularly in skilled trades. Programs like NMU’s Women in Construction Initiative aim to bridge that gap by reaching students early and showing them that building, welding, and wiring are not just jobs — but viable and rewarding careers.
Organizers say interest continues to grow each year, with more schools requesting to send students.
The initiative also offers mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities throughout the year for girls interested in pursuing construction-related degrees or apprenticeships.
Those interested in donating to or learning more about NMU's Women in Construction Initiative can visit the organization’s official website.
Originally reported by Abby Laforest in My UP News.
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