Rosedale Tech to host weekly 'Women in the Trades' events throughout March

Greensburg native Melody Carranza found herself frustrated after opting for a career in the medical field.

“Once I realized that wasn’t for me, I started looking at other options,” Carranza said.

Similarly, Raelee Nicholson of Charleroi was “in the process of following a traditional four-year path with offers to multiple colleges and universities,” she said. “But it wasn’t something that I loved.”

Against the advice of several teachers and counselors, Nicholson opted to pursue a trade career through Rosedale Technical College.

“I shifted gears and began to pursue something I was truly passionate about,” she said.

Nicholson is about to start a job as a PennDOT diesel technician.

On Wednesdays in March, Rosedale officials are inviting women to their facility in Robinson to learn about similar opportunities at their “Women in the Trades” events.

Women interested in learning about careers in the trades can do so by visiting the college, where they can ask instructors questions, have a chance to shadow a Rosedale student and meet with employers in their respective fields.

“I chose a career in the electrical field because I thought it would be a great way to challenge myself,” Carranza said. “Additionally, I wanted to break gender barriers and set a great example for my daughter so she grows up knowing she can become anything she wants to be.”

As a shortage of skilled workers in the trades continues, women are not only in demand but make up less than 10% of the workforce in the trades, Rosedale officials said.

“We can help close both the skills gap and the gender income gap by getting more women into skilled trades careers,” Rosedale President Dennis Wilke said. “Today’s technical careers demand critical thinking and communication skills every bit as much as mechanical knowledge.

“The pay can be very rewarding, and there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs. I expect the female participation in our trades programs to continue to increase, and we are excited to make that happen.”

Just under 9% of Rosedale Tech’s student population is female, and the college has seen an increase in women in its trade programs over the years.

Typically, “Women in the Trades” is celebrated as an annual event at Rosedale Technical College. However, because of covid-19 and the current regulations, this annual event has been adapted in to five smaller events that will take place each Wednesday in March from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register, visit Rosedaletech.org/wit.