High school female students will learn about high-demand non-traditional careers – Article courtesy of the Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation.

Minnesota North College and its Empower Program will host two “Women in the Workforce” events next month. The first event is Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Hibbing Campus, and the second is Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Vermilion Campus.
The events are designed to help local high school and post-secondary female students learn about high-demand non-traditional careers such as engineering, manufacturing, construction, natural resources, law enforcement, mining, business and computer science. Women who enroll in these programs at Minnesota North College can potentially increase their earning capability and fill job openings in area industries including mining, construction, transportation and manufacturing.

“Northeastern Minnesota offers a wide variety of careers in the trades,” said Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) Commissioner Ida Rukavina. “These programs offer young women the opportunity to learn about career paths that can increase their earning potential, secure excellent benefits and achieve greater financial stability. Additionally, women joining the trades bring valuable perspectives to some of the region’s key industries.”
A panel of local women in these careers will be at each event to share their professional stories and offer advice. Students may tour the non-traditional programs at the college campuses. There will be employer and resource booths for students to meet and talk with local women in these careers, as well as participate in hands-on activities related to the career skills. All attendees receive a free Rosie the Riveter t-shirt, and lunch is provided.

IRRR provided a $75,000 Workforce Development grant to Minnesota North College’s True North Stars Career Exploration, which supports the “Women in the Workforce” events and various other career exploration initiatives. The IRRR grant helps cover the student transportation costs to the events.

“As a Minnesota North College Electrical Program graduate who has worked in the electrical trade for 24 years, I saw firsthand the importance increasing women’s participation in the trade fields,” said Angela Heikkila, the Minnesota North College technical education career coordinator. “The Women in the Workforce events foster collaboration and networking between women already working in the trades and young women in high school who are deciding on career paths.”

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Workforce Development grant information.

Check out the events page for more information regarding the on-campus events at the Hibbing and Vermilion campuses.