Women’s Committee members Nicole Brooks, Karyn Newmark, Tierney Foster, and Tiffany Clemons at the Chico Trades Day.
The IBEW Local 1245 Women’s Committee kicked off 2026 with outreach at the 5th Annual Chico Trades Day. The event introduced middle and high school students from nearly 30 schools across the Northstate to hands-on career opportunities in the skilled trades.
In a region where many students have limited exposure to union careers, the Women’s Committee made union trades approachable, engaging, and fun. Karyn Newmark, a Chico native, led the committee’s participation, helping connect students with apprenticeship pathways while building relationships for future outreach.
“Trades Day gave us the chance to talk with students about what a career in the trades really looks like—the value of union representation and the benefits of apprenticeship programs,” Newmark said. “Being from the Chico area, it was especially meaningful to give back and open doors for local students.” 
Throughout the day, students asked thoughtful questions about training, wages, job stability, and how to get started. Tierney Foster said many students were surprised by the range of opportunities available through IBEW Local 1245. “One of the highlights was hearing students talk about becoming an engineer, an equipment operator, and a lineman,” Foster said. “Even those who weren’t sure about their path were surprised by how many career options exist within IBEW Local 1245.”
As trailblazers in their fields, committee members made a strong impression—especially on young women beginning to imagine their futures. Tiffany Clemons emphasized the importance of early, hands-on exposure. “Chico Trades Day was a great opportunity to connect with younger generations, especially high school girls, and introduce them to careers in the trades while highlighting the importance of strong union representation,” Clemons said.
PG&E Business Representative Steve Lange along with Karyn Newmark, Tierney Foster, and Tiffany Clemons the Chico Trades Day.
Women’s Committee Chair and Business Representative Nicole Brooks said the response from students and educators reinforced the importance of outreach in rural communities. “Seeing the interest and engagement from students, teachers, and vendors was incredibly encouraging,” Brooks said. “Outreach like this shows young women and young men that good union jobs at IBEW Local 1245 are attainable and where opportunity lives.”
Local PG&E Business Representative Steve Lange jointed the outreach effort and praised the committee noting, “These students were standing in line to learn how to be a part of our great Union.”