SOUTH PORTLAND — New Ventures Maine will offer “Totally Trades” workshops virtually, with online sessions starting at 9 and 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 27 and 29, and May 4 and 6.

The free sessions are designed to encourage girls to consider careers in fields traditionally underrepresented by women. Eight virtual workshop sessions will be offered to girls interested in nontraditional careers in trade and technical fields, highlighting these eight high wage, high demand career sectors: automotive, criminal justice, building and design, earning and learning, renewable energy, communications and connectivity, fire and rescue, and computer technology.

“We want to provide girls in grades 8-12 with information and support in career sectors of interest to them,” said Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, conference planner for New Ventures Maine — a statewide community outreach program of the University of Maine at Augusta, according to a news release. “Maine’s career and technical education schools and community college system are doing amazing work introducing students to programs such as public safety, building trades, electrical construction, and heavy equipment operations as well as other trade and technical careers.”

“In addition, the University of Maine System is providing two and four-year degree programs in environmental protection, renewable energy, engineering, and other growing fields. These careers, for the most part, are considered high wage and high demand in Maine,” said Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau. “Maine employers are looking for skilled tradeswomen, and we want young women to have access to information that can lead them to good paying and secure jobs in the future. It’s a win-win for students and the Maine economy.”

Individuals seeking more information on the virtual Totally Trades Career Week sessions, or interested in registering should contact Senechal-Jandreau at 207-768-9635 or senechal@maine.edu, or visit totallytradesmaine.org.

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