Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Samuel Pressure Vessel Group in Marinette, are partnering to expand one of the community’s most popular events after tremendous interest from families and students in the local communities.
What began as This Girl Can—an annual event introducing young women to welding and manufacturing careers—has grown into a two-part experience with the addition of Sparks & Steel, a new event designed for young men. Together, the events expand access and meet growing community demand by engaging more students and families interested in skilled trades.
“This truly is a ‘you asked, we listened’ moment,” said K12 Pathways & Rural Community Impact Director, Cindy Bailey. “This event has shown us that when students — and their families — can see and experience modern manufacturing firsthand, it opens doors they may not have considered before. Expanding this opportunity was a natural next step.”
Both This Girl Can and Sparks & Steel are collaborative events between NWTC Marinette Campus and Samuel Pressure Vessel Group in Marinette. Together, they showcase local welding and manufacturing careers while highlighting the education and training opportunities available right here in the community.
“It’s powerful to see females stepping into the trades with confidence and curiosity. Events like This Girl Can open doors, build skills, and show the next generation that they belong,” said Annaliese Pitts, Marketing and Communications Coordinator of Samuel Pressure Vessel Group in Marinette.
The events will take place over two evenings: Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Thursday, Feb. 26 — hosted on alternating nights at Samuel Pressure Vessel Group, Marinette and NWTC Marinette Campus. Students will engage in hands-on welding and fabrication activities, interact with industry professionals, and gain firsthand insight into modern manufacturing environments.
A defining feature of these events is the involvement of parents and guardians, who attend alongside their students and experience modern manufacturing together. By expanding the program, NWTC and Samuel Pressure Vessel Group are creating more opportunities for students to explore skilled trades and career pathways available locally.
Event Details: This Girl Can and Sparks & Steel
- Dates: Tuesday, Feb. 24, and Thursday, Feb. 26.
- Locations: Samuel Pressure Vessel Group, Marinette (Cleveland Ave)
- NWTC Marinette Campus (University Drive)
- Who can attend: Open to all students in grades 7-9.
Registration & Additional Information:
