Spire and Girls in the Know partnered to introduce 30 students from the Ferguson-Florissant School District to possible skilled trade careers on Wednesday April 2, 2025, at the Spire Training Center in Shrewsbury, Mo.
The students, ranging from ages 9 to 13, met with female professionals from Spire, and learned about professions at interactive stations, including pipefitting, natural gas meter building and truck and equipment displays.
“At Girls in the Know, we empower girls to embrace a strong sense of self, with a vision that every girl will know—’I am enough,”’ said Lori Lander, Girls in the Know founder.
“Our programs provide a safe space for dialogue covering key topics such as body image, puberty, peer pressure, and cyberbullying, ensuring each girl receives the support needed to thrive.
This immersive visit reinforces our commitment to empowering young girls with knowledge, confidence, and exposure to new opportunities that inspire their futures.”
Sam Wenzelburger, field operations supervisor at Spire, said the opportunity could inspire young women to consider skilled trade careers.
“I would love if each one of them walked away with a new sense of confidence, serving as a reminder that they can succeed in a hands-on career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise a small percentage of the workforce in skilled trades, with estimates ranging from around 4% to 10% depending on the specific trade.
People of color are underrepresented in almost all trades, with only 6% of construction workers being Black. Most skilled trade industries show similar numbers.