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Trades

Women In Trades

Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Labor, only 1.7 percent of electricians in the United States are women? In honor of International Women’s Day, read about how Jenny Conrardy, an MPTC electrical apprentice, is sparking change in the trades.

In 2021, Conrrardy began working at Current Electric in Wauwatosa. Soon after she started, Conrardy proved herself a hardworking, dedicated employee and was selected for an apprenticeship to gain electrical training at Moraine Park. She specializes in photovoltaic energy.

“It’s not a secret that trade careers offer high-paying, reliable jobs, and women deserve to have high-paying jobs,” Gus Boyle Gustavus, Moraine Park electricity instructor, said. “My observations have been that many women tend to still believe that trade workplaces are rough and unaccepting. I have been working in male-dominated occupations my entire life and have always had colleagues who want to see me be successful and pave the way for other women.”

Through her apprenticeship, Conrardy earns a wage while she attends her classes, and her employer pays tuition and book expenses. She attends class one full day every other week, making it easier to maintain income and learn at the same time.

“The trades are a great fit for any person who loves to work with their hands and problem solve,” Conrardy said. “The trades have historically been a white, male-dominated industry, but I think there is a lot of room and willingness in the industry to open that demographic right now. Not just for women, but also for people of color and the LGBTQ community. I encourage people to take that first step, don’t let anyone say no and keep moving forward.” 

Conrardy will complete her apprenticeship and earn her journeyworker’s license in 2025. She is the only woman in her class. 

“It’s important for our youth to understand different types of professions available and for our young female students to actually see that women play an active role in trades-related occupations,” Bobbi Fields, Moraine Park dean of applied technology and trades, said. “When kids see someone who they can relate to being successful in a career, it increases the likelihood that they could dream of working in that profession someday.”

March 8, 2023by Emilie Wilson
Manufacturing, NTO

Jane of All Trades: Try Out Skills That Pay The Bills!

three females in welding lab with helmets on

Moraine Park is hosting its 4th Annual Jane of All Trades event on Wednesday, March 7. Jane is a FREE event where women of any age* can come and learn about careers they may have never considered before (*Participants under the age of 16 should have a parent/guardian in attendance with them, of course!)

This is an amazing chance to get hands-on demonstrations in areas such as:

Continue reading

February 13, 2018by Renae Fischer
Manufacturing, NTO

Project Impact: Women Explore Manufacturing

Every year people make a list of resolutions for the new year of things they want to accomplish. This year, I will eat better; this year, I will hit the gym more; this year, I will become a better person, etc.  Well, here at Moraine Park, one of our goals is to help better the community.  How you ask?  Well, with your help of course!

“This is a judgment free way to try out several possible careers in manufacturing, and get the perspective of women who went through the programs and/or work in the field.” – Jennifer James, Process Engineering Student

Continue reading

December 11, 2017by Renae Fischer
Student Services & Support

Mom, are you busy?

Written by, Beth Aubrey, Moraine Park online student (pictured on far right)

Mom, are you busy? What a silly question for me to ask! I am sure at this current moment if you look around you, there are dishes in the sink, piles of laundry that need to be folded and children that are begging for your attention. You feel pulled in every direction with their questions: What’s for supper? Can you bring me to my friend’s house? Can you help me with my homework?

You almost lose your own identity and you find it hard to find the time to squeeze in something for yourself. Continue reading

March 8, 2017by Joan Seichter
Community Engagement, NTO, Trades

Jane of All Trades: Try out skills that pay the bills!

Moraine Park is hosting its 3rd Annual Jane of All Trades event on Wednesday, March 8. Jane is an event where women of any age* can come and learn about careers they may have never considered before (*Participants under the age of 16 should have a parent/guardian in attendance with them, of course!)

This is an amazing chance to get hands-on demonstrations in areas such as: Continue reading

February 14, 2017by Renae Fischer
Achievement, Manufacturing

A man’s job? Please. THIS is Sara’s job – and her passion

Female Moraine Park student working on machinery

From a young age, Sara Martens found joy working with machinery. After high school, she considered the CNC/Tool and Die Technologies program at Moraine Park in West Bend to make this passion a career.

Wonderful, right? A passion. A plan. Perfect.

Well, it wasn’t quite that easy. Continue reading

December 15, 2016by Andrew Pantzlaff

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