The Madison Area Builders Association (MABA) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County (BGCDC), along with the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, are offering BLAZE: Girl Trailblazers in the Trades Camp. This weeklong program, held July 15–19 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, 5215 Verona Road in Fitchburg, is designed for high school girls (females or nonbinary individuals ages 14–18) to explore the construction trades through hands-on experiences and field trips.
Campers will visit multiple employers and discover careers including carpentry, electrical, interior design, architecture, siding, roofing, heavy machinery operation, and more. Over 50 female volunteers in these careers are joining the BLAZE program to introduce young people to the careers available to them in the construction industry.
The main attraction for BLAZE is building two full-sized sheds, with one being auctioned off to support future McKenzie Regional Workforce Center programming.
Programming for the week includes:
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Monday, July 15: Design and MEP day — Learn about architecture, interior design, general contracting HVAC, electrical, and plumbing;
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Tuesday, July 16: Drexel Building Supply tour and concrete day — Learn ways to effectively assemble building materials needed for construction;
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Wednesday, July 17: Parisi Construction jobsite tour and framing day — Learn about land development and infrastructure projects and learn how to frame a shed;
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Thursday, July 18: Exterior day — Learn how to waterproof, window installation, siding installation; and
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Friday, July 19: Gerhards site tour and graduation day — Learn from a roofing presentation, roof installation, and crane demonstration, followed by a graduation celebration from 3:30–5 p.m.
Registration is still open. The BLAZE program is free of charge. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Participants who successfully complete the program will earn $50. This event is sponsored by MABA and BGCDC.
