Stephens College launches Missouri Women Work program
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Stephens College launched its Missouri Women Work program Thursday with a roster of 10 students.
The program was soft-launched in April, resulting in two graduates securing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
According to the National Association of Women in Construction, women make up about 9.9% of the workforce. And according to program's director, Scott Taylor, in Missouri the percentage is closer to 5%.
In the April program, students worked with partners in the construction industry for an apprenticeship and career. The program featured apprenticeships in pre-construction, basic carpentry and heavy highway construction, the college says in a news release.
Ultimately, Throckmorton and Snyder were hired in trade at Reinhardt Construction and Coastal Electric Inc., respectively.
Through the free program, any woman is able to learn how to have a career in vocational work.
The program is broken down into two parts throughout the week, classroom learning Monday and Tuesday and hands-on construction Wednesday through Friday.
Construction is done through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, where students are able to work in a subdivision and get an in-depth in the construction process.
"Whether it's pouring concrete, hanging drywall, setting walls, putting in rafters, roofing, you name it," Taylor said. "They're going to be exposed to the gamut of the various aspects associated with rising a house."
The program also gives students opportunities to connect with other trades like plumbing and electrical work through local contractors.
To help better support its students, Stephens also provides extra resources like childcare, transportation, and stipends for any unemployed students.
This current semester of students will complete the class on Aug. 8. Following this, Taylor hopes to host new sessions of students throughout the year.
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Stephens College Women in Trades Program website.
