Caribou grad takes pride in pursuing non-traditional career field

As children, we dream about what we want to be when we grow up. As adults, we are faced with the reality of making important decisions regarding our career. With a wide array of career paths to choose from, this can be a daunting decision to make. This dilemma is amplified by the social norms and gender stereotypes in our society that often influence career choice.
Gender roles are instilled in children at a young age, when they are taught what is considered “appropriate” behavior based on being male or female. For example, most children are taught that boys use tools and girls play with dolls. It’s no wonder occupations such as carpentry are predominantly male and a majority of nurses are female.    Carpentry and nursing are examples of non-traditional careers, or careers in which less than 25 percent of the workforce is of one gender. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 percent of men are nurses, while only 2 percent of women are employed as carpenters. Despite these statistics, several students at Northern Maine Community College are defying the norm and breaking the mold, pursuing non-traditional careers.
Meet Gabby Gorrence, a student in the welding and metal fabrication program at NMCC. Although she graduated from Caribou High School last year, Gorrence has an extensive background in welding. Her initial interest was heavily influenced by her grandfather who was a welder. As an eighth-grade student, Gorrence had the opportunity to participate in Totally Trades, a yearly conference held at NMCC that exposes females to careers in the trades and technology. This experience intensified her interest in the trades.
Gorrence participated in the conference for five years, and during her junior and senior years of high school, she joined a panel discussion at the conference. “I really enjoy talking to younger girls about the trades. I like the idea of females in non-traditional fields. I feel more women are needed,” Gorrence said. She was also a student in the welding and metal fabrication program at the Caribou Technology Center during her junior year of high school.
There are several aspects of the welding and metal fabrication program that interested Gorrence, including the “hands-on” nature of her classes. She said that learning is most effective for her when she is actively engaging in activities and projects.
Because most of the work is done in class and during lab, Gorrence is able to manage both school and a part-time job. “Instructors are flexible. They help you out and work with you. They are very understanding and realize that you have to work in addition to going to school,” she said.
Gorrence is also ready to start her career.
“Because it is a 1-year program, I can go to work as soon as possible,” she said.
Gorrence chose NMCC because it is close to home, allowing her to commute to school, and she likes the different components of the program, such as blueprint reading and OSHA. She feels she will gain a wealth of knowledge and skills that will increase her employment prospects when she graduates. “I feel I will use what I am learning and I’m not wasting my time,” she added.
Gorrence also likes the variety that a career in welding and metal fabrication brings, including working on different projects and having opportunities to travel to various places. “I would like to apply to places locally first, until I get more experience,” she said, adding that she might move away. “I’m not afraid of change or trying new things.”
She would like to pursue a career in metal fabrication or welding when she graduates and stated that her instructors are knowledgeable about potential employers in the community and will assist her with job placement when she begins her job search.
Gorrence also talks about the classroom environment. “Everyone in the class is very helpful. The teachers are supportive. Being one of the only females in the class can be overwhelming at first, but you get used to it,” she said. “The guys think it’s cool that there are females in the class. They see that you’re there to work, like they are.”
A challenge for Gorrence is her small size. “Sometimes it’s difficult to operate the large machines. Physical strength is needed. There is a lot of lifting heavy metal,” she said, recommending exercise for anyone pursuing a career in welding and metal fabrication.
She offers advice for females considering a career in welding and metal fabrication. “I definitely encourage females to consider a career in this field,” she said. “If you go to class and put time and effort into your work, it’s hard to fail. If you take your work seriously, then you can do well.”