Construction camp powers possibilities for girls in electrical trade

Girl power was flowing through the IBEW Local 64 hall as students wired up new skills and explored the electrical trade during Let’s Build Construction Careers Camp.

It’s a weeklong camp where girls ages 10-17 are introduced to construction, electrical work, engineering and other skilled trades, with the goal of exposing them to career pathways they may not otherwise see.

Chris Platton, from Gulu Electric, Ahren Peplow, training director at Youngstown Area Electrical JATC, and Shelly Higgins, founder/director of LBCC Camp.
(From left) Chris Platton, Gulu Electric; Ahren Peplow, Youngstown JATC training director; Shelly Higgins, founder/director Let’s Build Construction Careers Camp.

The electrical portion included basic wiring with a residential light switch, outlet and light.

LBCC Camp, founded by Shelly Higgins, is celebrating its fifth year. For her, it’s not about steering students away from college. It’s about making sure they know that’s not the only route to a meaningful career.

“Plant the seeds before they start making decisions on what classes to go to,” Higgins said. “If they get a taste of it, then they can see if there’s something more out there for them.”

A bright idea takes shape

The camp moved to Local 64 this year, giving students and volunteers a space that was hands-on but easy to manage.

“The setup is nice because it’s big enough, but it also keeps everybody in one spot without being too spread out,” said Ahren Peplow, training director at Youngstown Area Electrical JATC.

Ahren Peplow, Youngstown Area Electrical JATC training director, explains electrical project to students participating in Let's Build Construction Careers Camp.
LBCC Camp students working on electrical project.

For the electrical project, students worked on skills that were simple enough for beginners but meaningful enough to show what electricians do every day.

“It’s good for them to learn these things and get the hands-on experience,” Peplow said. “You never know, they might end up getting into the trade, but if not, it shows them that they can do hard things.”

With guidance from Peplow and Chris Platton, who works for Gulu Electric, the girls moved through the project step by step. They followed instructions, worked together and weren’t afraid to pick up the tools and handle the wiring themselves.

Chris Platton, of Gulu Electric, helps student with wiring on electrical project for LBCC Camp.
Chris Platton assisted students as they worked through the wiring for the project.

Encouragement for electrical trade

In a field that has historically been male-dominated, Peplow said he sees value in giving girls an early look at the trade and helping them understand they belong in the conversation.

“Everybody has something different to bring to the table.”

Campers also received their own tools, including screwdrivers, giving them something tangible to take home after the experience.

Higgins believes it’s important for students to learn from experienced professionals who understand proper training, safety and the right way to do the work.

“We don’t want them learning from somebody with bad habits. They need to know how to do things the right way,” she said.

Student works on pulling wire for light switch, outlet and light bulb at LBCC Camp.
LBCC camper works on pulling wire for the light switch, outlet and light bulb.

For some campers, wiring a light switch might just be a fun project to accomplish. For others, it could be the kind of exposure that changes the trajectory of their lives.

“We want as many students as possible to learn about the electrical trade and the career possibilities because you just never know where that could lead them,” Peplow said.

NECA-IBEW Electricians makes up a highly trained union workforce in the area. We’re an association of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.

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