Ferris State University’s College of Engineering Technology is hosting dozens of high school girls for the third annual Jill of All Trades event, which helps the students learn more about the opportunities to launch a career in skilled professions.

More than 100 students are expected to attend on Thursday, Oct. 15, as Ferris State is the first and only institution in Michigan to host the event.

Initially founded in 2014 by Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Ontario, Jill of All Trades is described an international program designed to inspire young women in grades nine through 12 to explore rewarding careers.

"The College of Engineering Technology is honored to host the Jill of All Trades at Ferris State, and we continue to incite curiosity, encourage creativity and empower young women to explore opportunities they may not otherwise encounter,” CET Dean Kate O’Connor said.

“Offering an opportunity for the students to not only have learned more about programs we offer, but more importantly learning about themselves, is an invaluable experience that all cherish.”

High school girls from Big Rapids, Newaygo, Morley-Stanwood and other districts will have the chance to learn more and gain a bit of real-world experience through Ferris State’s engineering tech programs. This includes Plastics, Mechatronics, Heavy Equipment, Construction Management, Automotive, Welding and more.

Ashley Hawley, who serves as Ferris State’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator, recognizes that the initiative also helps to increase post-secondary enrollment in the trades to address the skilled trades shortage.

 “For many participants, this experience provides their first opportunity to explore hands-on activities, discover new interests and envision possibilities they may not have considered before,” Hawley said. “Watching curiosity turn into confidence and seeing students recognize their own potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of this event.”

A critical piece of the event is the help from industry sponsors that enhance the event and assist with showing the students what established businesses have to offer aspiring professionals.

Many of those existing partners are based in West Michigan. That is why university and CET program leaders are expanding the Jill of All Trades event to the Kendall College of Art and Design campus in 2027 to provide an opportunity for Grand Rapids area students to experience the program.

“We are so thrilled to partner with another fantastic Ferris State college to bring the Jill of All Trades experience to Grand Rapids schools next spring,” said Lilly Franklin, recruiting and engagement officer for CET.

Dates and times for next spring’s event in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids will be available soon.

_{Release and photo courtesy of Ferris State University.}