RATHDRUM — Danette Hanson is one of only two women in a machining class of about 20 people at the Parker Technical Education Center.

She hoped Wednesday’s Women at Work event, hosted by North Idaho College, would empower attendees to try classes in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“Women bring a unique voice, a different perspective,” Hanson said. “(Machining) has shown me I can do hard things in a male-dominated field.”

PTEC was packed Wednesday afternoon, as attendees ranging from recent high school graduates to those looking for a fresh start had a chance to talk directly with industry leaders and NIC Career and Technical Education program instructors.

Career and Technical Education programs represented at Wednesday's event ranged from paralegal programs to surgical technology and dental hygienist training, among others.

Louisa Rogers with NIC’s Center for New Directions said that many CTE programs have shorter training periods, meaning women can quickly enter the workforce with in-demand skills.

“Women make up over half our workforce, and it’s really beneficial for industries to be able to pull from this portion of the population,” Rogers said.

Rogers added that the tides are turning in many area industries; for the first time, there are more women than men in NIC’s autobody program, according to Rogers.

“Women are totally capable,” Rogers said.

Katie Redman, operational manager with Buck Knives, said the Post Falls-based company is hoping to continue growing its female employee base.

“Some of our very best employees are women,” Redman said. “I see these women doing the work, and they’re excelling at it.” 

    Women had a chance to talk directly with industry and CTE program leaders during Wednesday's Women at Work event hosted by NIC.
  

    The Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum was a packed house Wednesday.