The Franklin High School Women in Construction program is for young women who want to explore a future career in construction. Its goals are to help girls explore this field in a safe environment and bring them joy in the work. It also helps improve skills and build more confidence.
According to Michael King who is the “Women in Construction” teacher, the program is designed to bring diverse perspectives and skills to the workforce and ultimately improve the industry’s overall productivity and innovation potential.
As students begin with their projects King teaches them about SkillsUSA because it helps while in the workshop. He gives students assignments about the tools, machines, and other equipment to learn about how to use it, and what to use it on. In this class, they build different things. Such as birdhouses, toolboxes, playhouses, ornaments, and more.
King teaches his students about SkillsUSA, and the students have to take a test called OSHA. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The purpose of this is to assure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
It took King nine years to get where he is now with the “Women in Construction” program; today marks four years since he started it. In the beginning, he hardly had any girls in his class and always wondered why. He asked one of his female students, who was one of the few females in his class, why there weren’t a lot of females joining. She told him that she thinks not a lot of women have that support from their family, like brothers, uncles, and a dad. King states that he wants to give women the opportunity that they deserve to experience these kinds of things. He also believes that women have more management potential than men.
Erendida Luna is a student in the Women in Construction class. She said that she really enjoys the class because it is where she can express herself through the work she has done. She states, “The class offers hands-on training in various construction skills. Also a very supportive environment where we can learn and grow together. Including our teacher, Mr.King, who not just guides us but helps us when we need help. Collaborating with other women not only builds confidence but also creates strong support. It is inspiring to see how we all uplift each other, share our experiences, and develop new skills that someday we will need if we continue in the construction path.” Luna said she loves this class, and it is very helpful for her and her future.
Natalie Trejo said that her experience in this class has been good, and the environment around her is safe and comfortable for young girls to explore construction without feeling judged and discouraged. This class helps her improve her work ethic and other helpful traits in the workplace, such as responsibility and professionalism. “Mr.King strives to motivate his women in construction classes to make progress in the construction field,” Trejo said.
Trejo said she’s very thankful King makes such a safe and comfortable environment for young girls like her.
Trejo’s classmate Brenda Alcantar Martinez said that the class is fun and full of things that are enjoyable to build, and has a great support system.
Genesis Lopez, who is another of King’s students, said, “I enjoy this class a lot because we do things that I have to put effort in and it makes me want to get it right, which will make me improve.” Lopez said she wants to continue working in the construction field and thanks King for giving not only her but all of the other young women in her class the opportunity to do this.
King said he enjoys his job because he loves seeing his students grow in confidence and loves seeing his students improve as time passes by.
