Eight female ninth and tenth grade students from GJSD had the opportunity to attend the inaugural “Women in the Workforce” event held last week at the HFM BOCES Career & Technical Center (CTE). The event targeted students aspiring to work in non-traditional workforce roles, allowing them to network and gain insight from other women who are paving the way for future generations in historically male-dominated roles.
The career exploration and awareness event featured 200 female students from 11 HFM area high schools as well as 50 industry professionals, including Johnstown’s very own Kerri Hauser, a police officer with Johnstown Police Department and School Resource Officer for GJSD.
The industry professionals in attendance represented a variety of non-traditional careers, including auto body repair, auto technology, construction technology, criminal justice, environmental conservation, robotics and engineering, skilled trades and more. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, non-traditional careers for women are defined as those with a female employment rate of 25% or less.
“Our goal was to expand students’ knowledge of careers that they may not otherwise consider,” said HFM Career and Technical Education Assistant Principal Kristina Marshall. “We were excited to host this event that connected students with professionals and facilitated conversations that might influence their future goals.”
The event was a joint effort between HFM CTE and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and was part of their Career Support Series aimed at expanding regional economic growth and workforce development.
