FARMINGDALE, NJ- In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young women in the construction industry, the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District (OCVTS), in association with Professional Women in Construction New Jersey Chapter and Professional Women in Building of the Garden State, hosted an exceptional networking event. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, more than 80 female students from Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex Counties, all enrolled in construction-related career training programs, gathered at the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Program Activity Center to connect with esteemed industry leaders, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering a sense of empowerment and camaraderie.

The event kicked off with an inspiring panel of five industry leaders who shared their powerful stories of determination and success. Carol Stillwell, Owner & President of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc.; Leigh-Ann Brannigan, Membership Director for the Associated Construction Contractors of NJ; Julia Howard, Senior Project Manager at Gilbane Building Co.; Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust; and Tom De Bartolo, President of Monmouth & Ocean B&CTC and President and Business Manager of Local 27, each took the stage to offer unique insights into their respective careers. The panelists addressed a series of thought-provoking questions prepared by female construction trade students from Ocean County Vocational Technical School. Each panelist shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the construction industry, including the unique challenges faced by women in the field, providing valuable advice and inspiration during the Q&A session.

The networking segment of the event offered an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with over 100 professionals from a wide array of sectors within the construction industry, including contractors, union representatives, project managers, apprentices, business agents, engineers, architects, business owners, utility companies, professional organizations, and much more. Students actively engaged with potential employers and industry leaders, asking questions, sharing their aspirations, and gaining insights into the realities of the profession. In turn, industry representatives enthusiastically interacted with the students, sharing their personal success stories and offering guidance on navigating career choices. This collaborative atmosphere allowed students to gather valuable contact information from these experts, paving the way for meaningful mentorship relationships and a deeper exploration of diverse career paths within the construction field.

This event was more than just a networking opportunity; it was a powerful statement of inclusivity, support, and encouragement. By bringing together female students and industry leaders, OCVTS and its partners have taken a significant step towards breaking down barriers, inspiring future generations, and creating a more diverse and empowered workforce within the construction industry. This initiative is not just about raising awareness; it’s about providing practical content and actionable resources to advance inclusion. By highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion, we drive improvements within our organizations, elevate our projects, and inspire a new standard of excellence and innovation industry-wide—especially as part of Construction Inclusion Week, which focuses on making the workplace more welcoming and inclusive.

The OCVTS Career and Technical Educational Programs represented include Welding, Electrical Trades, New Home Construction, Diesel Engine Technology, Building Construction Technology, Custom Woodworking and Design, Heavy Equipment Operation, Mates Engineering, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Steamfitting, and Fire Suppression Systems. Additionally, the Adult Education programs in attendance included Basic Home Systems, Carpentry, Welding, and Electrical Trades.

Organizations in attendance:
ACCNJ, All County Exteriors LLC, Asbury Park Area Local Union 400 JATC, Berkowsky and Associates, Inc., Brick Recycling Company, Bricklayers Union/IMI, Building and General Construction Laborers Local 77, Carpenter Contractor Trust, Carpenters Union Local 255, Construction & General Laborers’ Local 172 Local 172, DI Group Architecture, Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters, EMR Group, George Harms Construction Co., Inc., Gilbane Building Company, H.C. Constructors, Inc., Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 32 / Insulators International Union, Heavy and General Laborers Local 472, Insulators International Union / Insulators Local 89 / Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 32, Insulators Local 89, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21 Springfield NJ branch, Ironworkers Local 11, Jay-Hill Repairs, JDC Energy Services, LLC, JINGOLI-DCO Energy, Local 400 IBEW Electrical Workers, Local 7 Tile, Marble, Terrazzo of NY/NJ, Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters, Middlesex County Magnet Schools, Monmouth County Vocational School District, Monmouth/Ocean Counties Building & Construction Trades Council, New Jersey Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship Program, New Jersey Resources, NJ Construction Craft Laborers Apprenticeship Program, NJBCTC/YTTW Program, Ocean County Vocational Technical School, Operating Engineers Local: IUOE Local 825, Professional Women in Building of the Garden State, Professional Women in Construction New Jersey Chapter, Provident Bank, Pure Soil, A Division of Earle, Riparian, Rizco, SERVPRO, Shore Builders Association of Central NJ, SMART Local 27 Sheet Metal Workers, Sprinkler Fitters Local 696 Newark N.J., Stavola, Stillwell-Hansen Inc., Thomas Company Inc., Vericon Construction, Woodworking Programs - Maplewoodshop, and World Insurance Associates.



About Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides an intensive and immersive educational experience aligned with the current and emerging demands of business, industry, and advanced education. We instill the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for students to experience success in entering the workforce, advancing along a career pathway, and achieving career aspirations. Please visit www.ocvts.org to learn more.