'Breaking the Stigma'

Metro Tech Supports Women in Underrepresented Fields  

OKLAHOMA CITY – In honor of Women’s Equality Day, Metro Technology Centers is recognizing the role women can play in “non-traditional” careers within various trade industries typically dominated by males.

In 2021, only 14% of all women who enrolled at Metro Technology Centers were enrolled in a trade program, such as welding, automotive, construction and electrical. However, school counselors and career advisors are working hard to showcase different pathways and opportunities for women today.

Metro Tech Guidance Counselor, Leslie Cooksey, said she has worked with female students in the past who were hesitant about entering a trade program due to being the only woman in the class.

“I think the term ‘non-traditional’ applies when women struggle with the idea that they’re ‘supposed’ to be nurses, stay-at-home moms, or teachers,” Cooksey said.

At the August meeting of the MT Board of Education, evening welding student, Hannah Graham, spoke about her plans for working in the industry.

Graham has certifications in Fork Lift and OSHA 10 and will finish her welding certification in just a few short months. She plans to apply at Tinker Airforce Base and also plans to do freelance work, such as customized yard décor and other welding art projects. 

As a woman in the welding industry, Graham says she believes it gives her an advantage. “Women are very detail-oriented,” Graham said. “I think that, along with patience and tenacity, are strong qualities in women that can make them very successful welders.”

Along with Structural Welding, Automotive Service Technology, Basic Firefighting and Construction Trades are just a few of the additional trade programs offered at Metro Tech, and are also examples of underrepresented career pathways for women.

Recent graduate of Emerson North High School, Monica Gomez is pursuing a career in construction with the hopes of becoming a site director. Gomez is one of only two females in her class.

“I was nervous about going into a class as one of the only women,” Gomez said. “I felt like I would have to work twice as hard to prove that I can be there.”

However, local trade union leaders said women play a valuable role in the construction industry. “Women can be successful anywhere, but a place primed for their success is in the trades,” Laborers International Union - Local 107 Business Manager, Arturo Delgado said. “Women can thrive in this industry where their unique contributions of organization, follow-up, fresh ideas and new perspectives are valued and appreciated."

With support from her teachers, peers, family and community, Gomez agrees that when her time comes to lead her first construction project, she will bring traits that ensure her success. “Women are patient and empathetic, and I can bring that to a leadership role,” she said.

Metro Tech guidance counselors like Cooksey hope to continue to increase the percentage of female students in the years to come. “Women who are on the fence about joining a trades program because of their gender should know that even if they are the only woman in a class, they are paving the way for more women to join in the future and breaking the stigma,” Cooksey said.

Metro Tech offers 26 career industries with daytime and evening programs available. Classes are free for high school students and financial aid is available for those adults who qualify. For more information about programs at Metro Tech, visit our website at metrotech.edu or call 405-424-TECH.