More women pursue careers in skilled trades at Oklahoma Technical College

TULSA, Okla. –

At Oklahoma Technical College, automotive technology student Kylie Tate is one of the women preparing for a career in the industry

Tate’s interest in automotive work started with her grandfather, who owned a Texaco gas station. Now, she hopes to own a station one day

Tate says Oklahoma Tech’s program gives students the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a hands-on shop environment

As Oklahoma continues to need skilled workers, Tate believes more women should consider careers in technical trades

“I think it’s really important for younger girls and women to know that they’re needed in this industry just as much as men,” Tate said. “You don’t always need, like, a big, strong guy. So sometimes you need smaller hands or just a different thought process.”

Oklahoma Tech currently has 11 women enrolled in its skilled trades programs, making up roughly 11% of the school’s skilled trades student population. School officials hope that number continues to grow as more women consider careers in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated

Tate says women considering a career in the skilled trades shouldn’t be discouraged by the traditionally male-dominated nature of the industry

“I would tell them to go for it,” Tate said. “I mean, there’s really no downsides. I mean, you get kind of dirty, and you can’t have your nails done, but I think it’s great.”

For more information about Oklahoma Tech’s skilled trades programs, visit oklahomatechnicalcollege.com and select “Request a tour” or “Request info,” and one of the admissions representatives will reach out

Source: www.newson6.com