[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":152,"prefetchLinks":153},["ShallowReactive",2],{"article_from-tutus-to-tool-belts-introducing-manufacturing-skills-to-girls-at-jeffco-edu_solidworks":3,"_apollo:default":150,"_apollo:identified":151},{"posts":4},{"nodes":5,"__typename":149},[6],{"id":7,"slug":8,"title":9,"uri":10,"excerpt":11,"locale":12,"featuredImage":15,"tableOfContents":24,"content":25,"date":26,"authorJobTitle":11,"author":27,"masterings":40,"globalTags":54,"products":73,"disciplines":84,"seo":137,"__typename":148},"cG9zdDo3MDgxNQ==","from-tutus-to-tool-belts-introducing-manufacturing-skills-to-girls-at-jeffco-edu","From Tutus to Tool Belts – Introducing Manufacturing Skills to Girls at Jeffco.edu","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-introducing-manufacturing-skills-to-girls-at-jeffco-edu","",{"locale":13,"__typename":14},"en_US","Locale",{"node":16,"__typename":23},{"large":17,"__typename":18,"medium_large":19,"thumbnail":20,"srcSet":21,"sizes":22},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-9b.jpg","MediaItem","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-9b-768x577.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-9b-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-9b.jpg 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-9b-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F07\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-9b-768x577.jpg 768w","(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px","NodeWithFeaturedImageToMediaItemConnectionEdge",[],"\n\u003Cp>At SOLIDWORKS, we know our customers require a skilled workforce with design and manufacturing skills. That is why the SOLIDWORKS EDU team goes to events like\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.skillsusa.org\u002F\"> Skills USA \u003C\u002Fa>to support educators and their students. Every year we meet talented educators with innovative programs. We were fortunate to sit down with \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fkati-theurer-cmhe-5a2500186\u002F\">Kati Theurer\u003C\u002Fa>, founder and driving force behind \u003Cem>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jeffco.edu\u002Fabout-jefferson-college\u002Freference-information\u002Ftutus-to-tool-belts\u002F\">From Tutus to Tool Belts\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fem>, an initiative dedicated to introducing young girls to the opportunities and excitement of careers in the skilled trades—particularly Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"774\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-8-1024x774.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70822\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-8-1024x774.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-8-300x227.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-8-768x580.jpg.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-8.jpg.webp 1032w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Kati is an assistant professor of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology at\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.jeffco.edu\u002F\"> Jefferson College\u003C\u002Fa>, Hillsboro, MO, USA. Her passion for skilled trades began at a young age. First shadowing her father as a young plumber assistant and then in high school where she helped out her future mentor and HVAC installer, learning about the equipment and installation requirements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Fkati-theurer-jefferson-college.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70826\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Fkati-theurer-jefferson-college.jpg.webp 400w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Fkati-theurer-jefferson-college-300x300.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Fkati-theurer-jefferson-college-150x150.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Realizing HVAC was her passion, Kati enrolled in the Jefferson College 2-year HVAC program. With her hands-on background, she loved helping her classmates. Kati would graduate and become an adjunct professor and later promoted to full tenured faculty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Four years ago, Kati was listening to Steve Thurmer’s “Bring Back the Trades” podcast. Steve stated, “\u003Cem>How do we get more women interested in the trades?\u003C\u002Fem> ” Kati knew from her childhood that early exposure was key and she created and implemented \u003Cem>From Tutus to Tool Belts\u003C\u002Fem> for girls in grades 5–8, (age 10-13 years) to give them an introduction to manufacturing skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-4-1024x769.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70823\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-4-1024x769.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-4-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-4-768x577.jpg.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-4-1536x1153.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-4.jpg.webp 2046w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>With Jefferson College support, the program gives young women the chance to work directly with HVAC tools and equipment, guided by industry professionals.  The industry list is impressive.  Companies volunteer their employee’s time to teach the skills needed for their workforce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-3-1024x769.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70824\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-3-1024x769.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-3-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-3-768x577.jpg.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-3-1536x1153.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-3.jpg.webp 2046w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>For the 2026 event, thank you to: \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003Cli>IFS\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Arnold Aire\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Classic Aire Care\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Local 36\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Milwaukee Tool\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>Spire\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\n\n\u003Cli>UEI\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-2-1024x769.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70825\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-2-1024x769.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-2-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-2-768x577.jpg.webp 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-2-1536x1153.jpg.webp 1536w, https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F08\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-solidworks-edu-2.jpg.webp 2046w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cem>From Tutus to Tool Belts \u003C\u002Fem>hosted its 9\u003Csup>th\u003C\u002Fsup> event as it continues to inspire girls to explore new skills and new career paths, building confidence through accomplishments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Thank you to our SOLIDWORKS reseller, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fjacob-perkins-4262b4181\u002F\">Jacob Perkins\u003C\u002Fa> and \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fin\u002Fjason-venneman-107b124a\u002F\">Jason Venneman\u003C\u002Fa>, Associate Vice Presidents, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Famatrol.com\u002F\">Amatrol\u003C\u002Fa> Inc, for the introduction and support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Thank you SOLIDWORKS EDU team for supporting educators and their students at Skills USA.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Design well.  Marie\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n","2026-08-03T12:04:47",{"node":28,"__typename":39},{"nicename":29,"description":30,"slug":31,"name":32,"firstName":33,"lastName":34,"avatar":35,"__typename":38},"marie-planchard","Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of  Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.","marie planchard","Marie Planchard","Marie","Planchard",{"url":36,"__typename":37},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-assets.solidworks.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2023\u002F10\u002Fnyzykisa-jpeg-96x96.webp","Avatar","User","NodeWithAuthorToUserConnectionEdge",{"nodes":41,"edges":48,"__typename":53},[42],{"id":43,"name":44,"slug":45,"uri":46,"__typename":47},"dGVybTo5NQ==","Customer Stories","customer-stories","\u002Fmastering\u002Fcustomer-stories\u002F","Taxonomy_mastering",[49],{"isPrimary":50,"node":51,"__typename":52},true,{"id":43,"name":44,"slug":45,"uri":46,"__typename":47},"PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnectionEdge","PostToTaxonomy_masteringConnection",{"nodes":55,"__typename":72},[56,62,67],{"id":57,"name":58,"slug":59,"uri":60,"__typename":61},"dGVybTo5NjQ4","Job Skills","job-skills","\u002Ftags\u002Fjob-skills\u002F","Taxonomy_tag",{"id":63,"name":64,"slug":65,"uri":66,"__typename":61},"dGVybTo5NjEx","Manufacturing","manufacturing","\u002Ftags\u002Fmanufacturing\u002F",{"id":68,"name":69,"slug":70,"uri":71,"__typename":61},"dGVybTo5NjAz","SOLIDWORKS","solidworks","\u002Ftags\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","PostToTaxonomy_tagConnection",{"edges":74,"nodes":81,"__typename":83},[75],{"isPrimary":50,"node":76,"__typename":80},{"id":77,"name":69,"slug":70,"uri":78,"__typename":79},"dGVybTo1Ng==","\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002F","Taxonomy_product","PostToTaxonomy_productConnectionEdge",[82],{"id":77,"name":69,"slug":70,"uri":78,"__typename":79},"PostToTaxonomy_productConnection",{"nodes":85,"edges":125,"__typename":136},[86,99,109,116],{"id":87,"name":88,"slug":89,"uri":90,"parentId":91,"disciplines":92,"__typename":98},"dGVybTo2Ng==","Education","education","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Feducation\u002F",null,{"nodes":93,"__typename":97},[94],{"title":88,"uri":95,"parentId":91,"__typename":96},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Feducation","Discipline","Taxonomy_disciplineToDisciplineConnection","Taxonomy_discipline",{"id":100,"name":101,"slug":102,"uri":103,"parentId":87,"disciplines":104,"__typename":98},"dGVybTo2Nw==","Educators","educators","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Feducators\u002F",{"nodes":105,"__typename":97},[106],{"title":101,"uri":107,"parentId":108,"__typename":96},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Feducation\u002Feducators","cG9zdDozNzgx",{"id":110,"name":64,"slug":65,"uri":111,"parentId":91,"disciplines":112,"__typename":98},"dGVybTo3Ng==","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fmanufacturing\u002F",{"nodes":113,"__typename":97},[114],{"title":64,"uri":115,"parentId":91,"__typename":96},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fmanufacturing",{"id":117,"name":118,"slug":119,"uri":120,"parentId":87,"disciplines":121,"__typename":98},"dGVybTo2OQ==","Students","students","\u002Fdisciplines\u002Fstudents\u002F",{"nodes":122,"__typename":97},[123],{"title":118,"uri":124,"parentId":108,"__typename":96},"\u002Fdisciplines\u002Feducation\u002Fstudents",[126,129,132,134],{"isPrimary":50,"node":127,"__typename":128},{"parentId":91,"id":87,"name":88,"slug":89,"uri":90,"__typename":98},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnectionEdge",{"isPrimary":130,"node":131,"__typename":128},false,{"parentId":87,"id":100,"name":101,"slug":102,"uri":103,"__typename":98},{"isPrimary":130,"node":133,"__typename":128},{"parentId":91,"id":110,"name":64,"slug":65,"uri":111,"__typename":98},{"isPrimary":130,"node":135,"__typename":128},{"parentId":87,"id":117,"name":118,"slug":119,"uri":120,"__typename":98},"PostToTaxonomy_disciplineConnection",{"canonical":138,"title":139,"metaDesc":11,"opengraphAuthor":11,"opengraphDescription":140,"opengraphTitle":141,"opengraphUrl":138,"opengraphSiteName":142,"opengraphPublishedTime":143,"opengraphModifiedTime":144,"twitterTitle":11,"twitterDescription":11,"readingTime":145,"metaRobotsNoindex":146,"__typename":147},"https:\u002F\u002Fblog-frontoffice-contrib-prd.itvpc.solidworks.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fsolidworks\u002Ffrom-tutus-to-tool-belts-introducing-manufacturing-skills-to-girls-at-jeffco-edu\u002F","From Tutus to Tool Belts - Introducing Manufacturing Skills to Girls at Jeffco.edu - Blog Solidworks","At SOLIDWORKS, we know our customers require a skilled workforce with design and manufacturing skills. That is why the SOLIDWORKS EDU team goes to events like Skills USA to support educators and their students. Every year we meet talented educators with innovative programs. 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