Stephens College, a women’s college in Columbia, Missouri, has announced a new Women In Trades program that aims to address the gender gap in skilled trades professions such as construction and carpentry. According to the college, women represent fewer than 15 percent of skilled workers in high-demand trades fields.
The Women In Trades program will provide its students with training opportunities through a combination of hands-on learning experiences, classroom instruction, and industry partnerships. To create the curriculum for their new initiative, Stephens College collaborated with experts from various trades fields, who will additionally provide students with networking, mentorship, and career development resources.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Women In Trades program at Stephens College, furthering our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of education,” said Dr. Scott Taylor, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Studies at Stephens College. “By providing women with the resources and support they need to succeed in traditionally male-dominated trades, we are not only breaking down barriers but also opening doors to new opportunities and pathways to economic empowerment.”
Stephens College plans to officially launch the Women in Trades program this April. More information about the program can be found here.