From Sparks to Supervisors: Women Redefining the Skilled Trades

PITTSBURGH, PA – March 25, 2026 – As a national conversation about the skilled trades workforce reaches a fever pitch, Rosedale Technical College is placing the spotlight on the women who are not just joining the ranks but are actively reshaping industries from the ground up. Fresh off a feature in a national CNBC segment, the Pittsburgh-based college is preparing to host its 10th annual Women in the Trades panel on April 1, an event that has become a crucial platform for a growing movement.

The panel will feature 16 alumnae, including twin sisters Teagan and Lilian Hollabaugh, who have pursued distinct paths in technical fields, and Stephanie Deal, a trailblazer who transitioned from the restaurant industry to a supervisory role in robotics. Their stories offer a powerful, real-world counter-narrative to outdated perceptions of who belongs on a job site, in a workshop, or at the helm of advanced manufacturing equipment. The event provides a candid forum for prospective students and career changers to learn from women who have navigated these traditionally male-dominated fields.

A National Shift, A Local Spotlight

The timing of Rosedale's event could not be more critical. The United States is grappling with a severe skilled labor shortage, with an estimated 650,000 open construction jobs and a projected shortfall of two million manufacturing workers within the next decade. This gap presents a monumental challenge to the economy but also a significant opportunity. Women are increasingly being recognized as an essential part of the solution.

National data underscores this trend. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the number of women in apprenticeships more than doubled between 2014 and 2022, and in 2021, the number of women in trades occupations hit an all-time high. Yet, their representation remains comparatively low. On construction job sites, for example, women constitute only about 4% of the frontline workforce. This disparity highlights both the progress made and the work that remains.

Institutions like Rosedale Technical College are at the forefront of closing that gap. “Women in the Trades is an important event for us,” said Dennis Wilke, president of Rosedale Technical College, in a statement. “We are proud of all of our students, but especially support individuals who choose a path less traveled. Our goal is to give them the tools they need to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in the workforce.” This mission is about more than just filling job vacancies; it’s about empowering a diverse new generation of skilled professionals.

Forging New Paths: The Journeys of Tradeswomen

The true impact of this movement is best understood through the individual journeys of the women themselves. The upcoming panel will feature a wealth of these stories, providing tangible examples of success and resilience.

One of the most compelling is that of Stephanie Deal. In 2010, she made history as the first woman to graduate from Rosedale’s Electrical Technology program. Today, she is a Production Supervisor at Carnegie Robotics, a leader in autonomous systems. Her path, which began after a career change from the restaurant industry, has included roles as an engineering technician at global firms like Siemens and even a stint as a business owner. Her trajectory from a trade school classroom to a leadership position in a high-tech field illustrates the immense potential for career growth.

The panel will also feature Teagan and Lilian Hollabaugh, twin sisters who chose different specializations within the trades. Lilian is now working in the high-demand HVAC industry, while Teagan’s story was recently part of the CNBC feature that brought national attention to the college. Their presence underscores the variety of viable and rewarding careers available, from maintaining critical infrastructure to working with cutting-edge technology.

These women, and the 13 other panelists joining them, will offer candid perspectives on their experiences—from the initial decision to pursue a trade over a traditional four-year degree to the daily realities of their jobs. The discussion is expected to cover navigating workplace cultures, the crucial role of mentorship, and strategies for building long-term, sustainable careers. They will address the persistent challenges, such as gender bias and the need for properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), while also highlighting the significant rewards: high demand, economic security, and one of the smallest gender pay gaps of any sector, with women in construction earning approximately 95 cents for every dollar men earn.

A Decade of Dedication: Rosedale's Blueprint for Success

While the national focus on women in trades has intensified recently, Rosedale Technical College's commitment is not a new development. The April 1 event marks the 10th consecutive year the institution has hosted its Women in the Trades panel, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to fostering diversity and providing targeted support.

This sustained effort is a core part of the college's identity and a key factor in its recognized success. The non-profit institution was ranked 11th on Forbes' 2018 list of the "Top 25 Two-Year Trade Schools" based on metrics like post-graduate success and affordability. It has also been designated a Military Friendly® school by VIQTORY every year since 2012, earning "Gold" status for the 2023-2024 academic year for its exemplary support of military students. With reported job placement rates historically exceeding 90 percent, the college has built a reputation for delivering tangible results.

By offering specialized training in fields from automotive and diesel technology to welding and carpentry, the school directly addresses the needs of the regional and national economy. The annual panel is more than just a single-day event; it is the culmination of a broader career series and a public symbol of the college's mission. It serves as a vital link between current students, successful alumni, and those considering a future in the trades, creating a network of support and mentorship that is essential for long-term success. As these 16 women take the stage, they will not only share their personal stories but also embody the powerful impact of an educational model dedicated to building a more inclusive and resilient skilled workforce.