July 14, 2026 by Mitchell Barman At a time when the manufacturing industry continues to face a growing talent shortage, Wallace State Community College is taking a proactive approach by introducing young women to skilled trades through immersive, hands-on experiences that spark interest and expand career awareness. Recently, Wallace State hosted a “Jill of All Trades” event that brought female high school students to campus for an immersive, day-long experience in skilled trades. Participants explored areas such as welding, electrical, HVAC, and manufacturing, gaining direct exposure to career paths that are often overlooked but critically important to today’s workforce. “Wallace State is committed to expanding opportunities for every student, and Jill of All Trades allows young women to see themselves in career technical-related careers that are essential to our state’s economic future,” said Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President Wallace St. Reinforcing the importance of hands-on exposure in helping students better understand and envision these career opportunities. By providing early, hands-on experiences, Wallace State is helping students see themselves in careers they may not have previously considered. Instructors and industry professionals guided participants through real-world applications, helping build both confidence and awareness of the opportunities available in technical fields. This type of programming directly aligns with the broader mission of the SME Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC), which focuses on closing the manufacturing talent gap by connecting students to education and career pathways. Across the country, MI-WPC partners, including community colleges like Wallace State, are working to engage new and diverse populations in manufacturing careers. Wallace State’s participation highlights an important trend: colleges are no longer waiting for students to find these careers. They are actively creating experiences that bring students into them. By providing young women with s special event, the college is also helping address one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: broadening representation in manufacturing and skilled trades. Programs like Jill of All Trades not only inspire students but also strengthen regional workforce pipelines. As employers continue to face talent shortages, initiatives that introduce students early, build confidence, and create clear pathways into training programs will play a critical role in meeting demand. Learn more about how colleges can get involved in the MI-WPC and build stronger manufacturing talent pipelines here.
