When Ava Millette enrolled in the Conservation/Natural Resource Management program at the Hewes Educational Center, she knew she wanted to work outdoors and do something hands-on. What she didn’t realize was just how many opportunities the program would open for her.
A junior from Maple Grove Central School District, Ava is gaining real-world experience operating heavy equipment and building skills that could lead to a career in the trades — a path she’s proud to pursue during Women in the Trades and Women’s History Month.
Ava said her interest in Career & Technical Education through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES began with a recommendation from a former student.
That friend, Brianna Loomis, shared stories about the opportunities available through the Conservation program and how it helped prepare her for work after graduation. Hearing about those experiences helped Ava see a future for herself in the field.
Another influence came from closer to home. Ava’s older brother, Justin, works for the City of Jamestown Department of Public Works, where he plows snow, assists with paving projects, and operates heavy equipment.
Watching him work helped inspire her own career goals.
“He is someone that I do look up to,” she said.
At Hewes, Ava has already begun developing the skills she’ll need to follow a similar path. Students in the Conservation program learn about equipment operation, land management, and environmental science while spending significant time outdoors.
For Ava, the program’s hands-on nature has been one of its biggest highlights.
“I’ve learned a lot about working on machinery and how to operate it,” she said. “We’ve also been outdoors a lot, which I really enjoy.”
This year, students also began operating heavy equipment — an experience Ava said quickly became her favorite part of the program.
“Being in control and doing things I didn’t think I’d be able to do before,” she said. “Like making things and working with the equipment.”
Along the way, the program has introduced her to lessons she didn’t expect, including identifying different tree species in the field.
“I never really thought about it before,” Ava said. “Now we’re learning the species and how to tell the difference between them.”
While careers in equipment operation and natural resource management have traditionally been male-dominated, Ava said more young women are beginning to explore the field. Her junior class includes five female students, something she said she was pleasantly surprised to see.
For Ava, success in the trades comes down to attitude and determination.
“It’s all about your mindset,” she said. “If you think you can do it, then you can. You just have to put the work in and learn everything for yourself.”
She also credits the supportive environment at Hewes for helping students succeed.
“The teachers (Mr. Angeletti and Mr. Hy) are very supportive, no matter your gender or what you have going on,” Ava said. “They’re always there to help you and teach you, not just criticize you. It’s constructive criticism.”
Looking ahead, Ava hopes to pursue a career operating heavy equipment, possibly working for a municipality like her brother. She’s still considering whether college might be part of that path, but for now, she’s focused on gaining as much experience as possible through the program.
And for other young women considering a similar path, Ava has simple advice:
“I’d say definitely do it if you’re considering it,” she said. “You’ll have a lot of opportunities and make a lot of friends.”
