A group of high school students recently learned about career opportunities in the auto repair trade, thanks to Virginia Tire & Auto LLC.
The Fairfax, Va.-based dealership sponsored the inaugural session of the Women in Trades Lunch and Learn Series at Osbourn High School in Manassas, Va.
Julie Holmes, co-CEO of Virginia Tire & Auto, talked to young women about careers in the automotive industry.
“The Women in Trades Lunch and Learn Series is a work-based learning program to inspire female students to pursue a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway,” says Eric Goldwin of Manassas City Public Schools.
“It’s important that the work-based learning program is inclusive and I thought this series would be an amazing opportunity for our students.”
Holmes says she encouraged the young women to see the opportunities in “blazing the trail” in the automotive industry. “I talked about how it’s time for the old stereotypes to change – and the environment is ripe for change."
“Today’s cars are just computers on wheels and women are just as capable as men at solving the complicated issues that tradespeople are asked to solve.”
Godwin says upcoming series topics will include software engineering, welding and more. He hopes to get plumbers, electricians and manufacturing professionals represented in the classroom by the end of 2023.
“We want to continue this series as an opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives and empower young women to seek careers in underrepresented industries,” says Godwin.
