High School Girls Encouraged to Explore Careers in Construction
Thursday, February 16, 2017
High school girls who want to explore opportunities in the construction industry are invited to a “Framing Your Future” event on Monday, March 20, hosted by Pennsylvania College of Technology’s School of Construction & Design Technologies.
The day – open to young women in grades nine through 12 – will kick off at 9 a.m. in Penn’s Inn, on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center.
Female students will acquaint participants with the construction-related majors available at Penn College, followed by an Etiquette Luncheon, at which industry mentors will introduce each table of girls to networking and proper dining in a business atmosphere. The afternoon will conclude with a panel of women representing current students, alumnae and industry, followed by a virtual field trip to a construction site before the day wraps up at 3 p.m.
“This event is to expose high school girls to the career ladders available within the construction and design industry,” said Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean of construction and design technologies. “Students often are unaware of the many trajectories within the industry, and this day is designed to broaden their knowledge and understanding of potential career paths.”
Construction management majors Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz, and Juliann M. Reazor, of Schuylkill Haven – who brainstormed the program after attending a Women in Construction Leadership Seminar organized by Kiewit Corp. last fall – have been instrumental in planning the day’s events.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, women represent only 8.9 percent of the 9 million people in the construction workforce. Figures also reflect a narrower wage gap in the construction industry, with women earning on average 93.4 percent of what men make compared to the 82.1-percent average of all U.S. occupations.
“I want to show women that you can do anything; furthermore, that you don't have to conform to stereotypes. You just have to pursue your passions!” Herr said. “I am most excited to see all of the women in the School of Construction & Design Technologies come together and show high school students what they have to look forward to through our hands-on activities.”
Reazor added, “I'm looking forward to being able to share my passion for the industry with other young women and helping them realize having a successful career in a male-dominant industry is possible.”
The event is limited to 50 girls, each of whom will receive a free T-shirt and complimentary lunch. Transportation to and from the event must be arranged by the participant.
Registration is open through Feb. 28. An application can also be emailed by contacting the School of Construction & Design Technologies at 570-327-4518. Students registering will be notified by March 3 of their acceptance to the day’s events.
The event is held in conjunction with the nationwide Women in Construction Week celebrated by the National Association for Women in Construction, whose mission is to “enhance the success of women in the construction industry.”
For more information about majors in the college’s School of Construction & Design Technologies, call 570-327-4518.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
The day – open to young women in grades nine through 12 – will kick off at 9 a.m. in Penn’s Inn, on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center.
Female students will acquaint participants with the construction-related majors available at Penn College, followed by an Etiquette Luncheon, at which industry mentors will introduce each table of girls to networking and proper dining in a business atmosphere. The afternoon will conclude with a panel of women representing current students, alumnae and industry, followed by a virtual field trip to a construction site before the day wraps up at 3 p.m.
“This event is to expose high school girls to the career ladders available within the construction and design industry,” said Carol A. Lugg, assistant dean of construction and design technologies. “Students often are unaware of the many trajectories within the industry, and this day is designed to broaden their knowledge and understanding of potential career paths.”Construction management majors Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz, and Juliann M. Reazor, of Schuylkill Haven – who brainstormed the program after attending a Women in Construction Leadership Seminar organized by Kiewit Corp. last fall – have been instrumental in planning the day’s events.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, women represent only 8.9 percent of the 9 million people in the construction workforce. Figures also reflect a narrower wage gap in the construction industry, with women earning on average 93.4 percent of what men make compared to the 82.1-percent average of all U.S. occupations.
“I want to show women that you can do anything; furthermore, that you don't have to conform to stereotypes. You just have to pursue your passions!” Herr said. “I am most excited to see all of the women in the School of Construction & Design Technologies come together and show high school students what they have to look forward to through our hands-on activities.”
Reazor added, “I'm looking forward to being able to share my passion for the industry with other young women and helping them realize having a successful career in a male-dominant industry is possible.”
The event is limited to 50 girls, each of whom will receive a free T-shirt and complimentary lunch. Transportation to and from the event must be arranged by the participant.
Registration is open through Feb. 28. An application can also be emailed by contacting the School of Construction & Design Technologies at 570-327-4518. Students registering will be notified by March 3 of their acceptance to the day’s events.
The event is held in conjunction with the nationwide Women in Construction Week celebrated by the National Association for Women in Construction, whose mission is to “enhance the success of women in the construction industry.”
For more information about majors in the college’s School of Construction & Design Technologies, call 570-327-4518.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.