North Idaho College Hosts Women at Work Event in Rathdrum on March 18

North Idaho College's annual Women at Work event returns to the NIC Parker Technical Education Center in Rathdrum on Wednesday, March 18, running from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The gathering is built around connecting women with NIC's career and technical education programs and with local industry professionals who have carved out careers in fields where women remain underrepresented. Guest speakers from local industries will share their experiences working in those traditionally male-dominated trades and technical sectors, while attendees can also sit in on panels, join breakout sessions led by local professionals, tour the Parker Technical Education Center facility, and watch live lab demonstrations.

"This event is really special because it shows the women in our community that they are more than capable of becoming skilled welders, cybersecurity analysts, graphic designers and more," said Elli Michael, NIC's Marketing and Events Coordinator.

The workforce backdrop gives the event added weight. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, women have accounted for 54% of Idaho's labor force growth over the past five years, a figure that underscores how much the state's economy depends on expanding the pipeline of women entering skilled careers.

Michael framed the event as a direct response to that opportunity. "We really want to bring together women in local industries who have been successful in their fields to show others how much opportunity there is by graduating from these programs and going into these careers," she said.

Beyond the speakers and panels, the afternoon includes family-friendly activities, free food and beverages, and one-on-one time with NIC CTE faculty and program instructors who can walk attendees through specific career pathways. NIC's CTE programs are structured around applied learning and career readiness, with the goal of equipping students with practical skills for in-demand jobs before they leave campus.

The event is five days away. Anyone seeking more information can reach the organizing team at parker_events@nic.edu or by calling (208) 929-4040. Attendees who need accessibility assistance should contact accessibility@nic.edu.