It Only Takes a Spark to Ignite and Elevate their Career: Women in Trade

 

Hailey Brohamer 

Intimidation. Fear. Three deep breaths and one foot in front of the other. These are the shared emotions Katelynn (Katie) Poulsen and Hailey Brohamer, SLCC trade students, shared on their first day of school. The young ladies are taking the intimidating, but necessary steps needed to break into male-dominated fields. Katie is pursuing an associate degree in Welding Fabrication and Inspection and Hailey recently graduated with her associate degree in Diesel Technology. Their passion, talent, hard work and dedication are helping them break barriers and create a solid path for future women in the trade field.

"I did not sleep the night before. I arrived early to ensure I knew my way from class to my truck. I took three deep breaths and said, ‘I am going in,’" says Katie, who comes from a long lineage of blue-collar workers in her family. She is well acquainted and confident in the welding shop, yet fell victim to the first day of school anxiety and jitters.

"When I bring my hood down, I go into a meditative state. It is a Zen type of motion," says Katie talking about her passion for welding.

Katie and her first welding hood which used to belong to her father

Katie recalls spending time with her father at the welding shop from a young age. "I remember my dad would put his welding jacket around me to protect me from sparks," says Katie between laughs. "I would drown in that jacket, and it was in moments like those that I realized that I wanted to continue in the same line of work as my father."

Hailey, like Katie, was introduced to her passion by her father during an eighth-grade job shadowing day. After a long day in the shop, she recalls telling her father on their way home that she wanted to work in the same field. And now, years later, Hailey not only works in the field, she works next to her father at Wheeler Machinery Company.

Hailey working with Mark Kranendonk, diesel systems technology professor and Grandfather

"Having my grandfather as my professor on my first day of college was comforting. It was a great experience. I was starting, and he was retiring," Hailey, diesel mechanic.

Hailey recalls that starting in the field was very intimidating, yet she took the challenge head-on. "Being afraid is normal, but you cannot let that fear consume you because you are more capable than you give yourself credit," says Hailey when sharing advice for those afraid to go into the trades.

Katie's sentiment is similar to Hailey's, as she dealt with the familiar nervousness and anxiety when making a big decision. For her advice she shares, "get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It will only make you stronger in the end. Push through it; you know you can do it."

This March, just like any other month and day, we want to reflect on all women's courageous contributions to create a better tomorrow for current and future generations. From Justice Ruth Bader to Katie and Hailey (SLCC students), their contributions to breaking down barriers and showing other women and girls that space is available for them. Expanding their roles in places women do not traditionally fill can help decrease disparities by providing women with role models and increasing employment. All there is left to do is to remember that it is possible. Take a deep breath, count to three and go for it!