In the E-Tech classroom at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, where students are mastering the intricacies of the electrical trade, one student stands out among the rest.
“Right now, it’s just me,” Odalys Perez remarked with a laugh. She’s the sole female student in the school’s electrical study track. “Most of the trades are heavily male-dominated.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise only 2 percent of electricians in the field.
“With the current shortage of men entering the trades, young women are increasingly considering this as a viable profession,” explained career and technical education teacher Rene Sears. “They tend to grasp the concepts quicker than their male counterparts. Their attention to detail is remarkable!”
“Considering my dad works in masonry, I see a connection with electrical work,” Perez shared. “To me, electrical work involves creativity and critical thinking because you have to prioritize safety, knowing it’s hazardous.”
Perez’s choice to pursue electrical studies in high school also means she’s earning college credits. Upon graduation from Wilmer-Hutchins High School, she’ll rank in the top 10 percent of her class and hold an Associate of Applied Sciences in Construction Technology.
“Watching her progress from freshman to senior year has been truly inspiring. Her enthusiasm has only grown,” Sears said proudly. “She’s exceptional, to say the least!”
Perez intends to further her education at Texas A&M, where she plans to major in construction engineering.
“Seeing that light switch on, it brings me immense joy. I feel excited about my journey,” Perez said with a smile. “We can make it happen.”
