Astec Introduces Girls to Manufacturing Careers

American manufacturing is seeing a rise in women joining the workforce, but they still only make up about 30% of the 15.8 million people working in manufacturing.

“The infrastructure industry is heavily male, but there are women in it, and more are coming,” Aletheia Silcott, vice president of human resources for Astec, said about the need to get more women involved in manufacturing.

“It’s important to know your customer, and to design for your customer, but you can’t do that without female representation in your company,” she said. “Representation matters for retention and building a strong company culture, as well.”

Astec, which is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., has partnered with Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy to help raise awareness for the opportunities women have at the company and the industry in general. The partnership is aligned with the school’s vision to inspire hope in each girl, positively change her trajectory in life, and empower her to possess infinite choices in the future.

Astec employees provide mentoring for 10th grade students about business and the hard and soft skills needed to succeed. On this visit, 32 students toured Astec’s manufacturing site on Jerome Ave. and learned about dining etiquette for a business setting.

“No matter how challenging it is to get the buses going, to develop the partnership, and to transport the students to the sites, these business partnerships are important,” said Dr. Elaine Swafford, executive director of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. “I can’t tell you how many times kids have told me how important it was to go out to a business and see the opportunities that exist for them.  If they can’t see it, they can’t be it.”  

Greg Renegar, vice president of customer success for Astec, showed the girls how the company’s asphalt plants are made and talked about the people who support the process, from sales and accounting to engineering and welding. He also explained how manufacturing can provide a good living to workers with 4-year degrees, associate degrees or right out of high school.

Astec has more than 4,000 employees worldwide. In Chattanooga, there are about 1,800 employees at three manufacturing sites and two corporate office locations. The company is looking to fill 150 positions locally, and many more around the world.

Schools can help raise awareness among students, parents, educators, and the public about modern manufacturing and the rewarding careers available. 

If you have friends and family who might be interested in a career with Astec, point them to our Careers page.