Atlanta Students Learn About Women in Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Opportunties

Jan 12 —Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium coordinated a career exploration event at Atlanta Schools, bringing together students, industry insight, and real-world career pathways in the skilled trades.

Apprenticeship Success Coordinator Jeremiah Johnston led the event, presenting an overview of Registered Apprenticeships to 15 students and explaining how apprenticeships combine paid, hands-on training with classroom instruction to create a direct pathway to in-demand, high-wage careers—often without student debt.

As part of Michigan Works!’ She Builds: Women in Skilled Trades Exploration and Mentorship Series, Brandie Meisner, President of M & M Excavating, also spoke with students, sharing her personal journey in the construction industry. Brandie highlighted the strong demand for skilled trades careers, their earning potential, and the critical need for more women in these fields—particularly in rural communities where exposure to these opportunities can be limited.

Together, the presentations helped dispel common misconceptions about the skilled trades, provided students with practical, real-world perspectives, and reinforced that careers in construction and other trades are both accessible and rewarding—even for young women! Through coordination with Atlanta Schools and local industry partners, Michigan Works! continues to connect students to meaningful career pathways while elevating women leaders through initiatives like She Builds.