Ripon, CA – On Wednesday, March 19th, IBEW 1245 Women’s Committee members participated in the Ripon High School Career Fair.
More than 200 students – mostly juniors and seniors – filled the gym to learn about career opportunities as they imagine their next steps after high school. Most participate in the school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway program which seeks to give students exposure to opportunities beyond the traditional college route.
Cassandra Gamez, an Environmental Compliance Analyst at Modesto Irrigation District (MID) and member of the IBEW 1245 Women’s Committee, spearheaded the participation of the Women’s Committee at the job fair to reach young people, especially girls and women.
She was joined by Women’s Committee members, Julie Brousseau, an Outside Line Traffic Control Technician and IBEW 1245 Business Representative Nicole Brooks, the chair of the Women’s Committee.
“We handed out forty IBEW 1245 tote bags and hundreds of flyers packed with quality information, from training opportunities and scholarship opportunities,” declared Brousseau.”
Gamez described the enthusiasm of the students eager to learn about IBEW 1245 and the trades. “I especially enjoyed sharing the many benefits of being an IBEW 1245 member, from job security to financial independence. Many students were interested in learning about the JATC apprenticeship program, and they were eager to hear our personal stories of how we became Union members,” she added.
Founded in late 2024, the IBEW 1245 Women’s Committee has taken off. Brooks noted that its core function is to provide a space for IBEW 1245 women to be seen, heard, supported and celebrated. It also aims to grow the numbers of girls and young women in the trades.
Brooks has brought her extensive experience representing IBEW 1245 in the field as well as at job fairs and community events to the committee. “Any time we can expose young people to the array of opportunities in the trades, including entry level positions and the nuts and bolts of how to apply, it’s a good day!” said Brooks.
The day ended with a presentation of Thank You notes from the students, expressing their gratitude for the time and information shared.
The Women’s Committee’s next stop will be supporting “2025 Virginia City High School College/Career Fair” on Wednesday, April 16th in Virginia City, Nevada.
– Eileen Purcell, Sr. Advisor