Women soar: next-gen mechanics redefine aviation, automotive fields
Centennial, Colorado – Forget the stereotypes. At the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), a new generation of women is dismantling old barriers, diving headfirst into traditionally male-dominated fields like aviation and automotive maintenance. Their passion isn't just a career choice; it's a deliberate challenge to a status quo that’s long overdue for an overhaul.
From neighborly lessons to faa regulations
Elizabeth Zuber, a senior at CCIC, embodies this shift. Her journey began with a retired United Airlines mechanic who lived next door, sharing stories and sparking a lifelong fascination. “He’d always talk about it, teaching me when I was little,” Zuber explains, “And when I realized I could pursue this at CIC, I knew I had to.” Now, she's mastering aircraft systems – engines, hydraulics, electrical – and navigating the rigorous FAA regulations needed to ensure flight safety. Less than 3% of aircraft mechanics are women, a statistic Zuber is determined to change, leading the charge to bring more women into the industry.
Beyond the wrench: robotics, manufacturing, and a drive to innovate
The ambition at CCIC extends far beyond basic maintenance. Students like Ally Langley and Alia Estares are gaining experience in automotive repair, from brake replacements to oil changes. But the curriculum doesn’t stop there. Estares, for example, is also enrolled in aerospace manufacturing, a unique blend of art and science. “We learn how to design and program objects and learn how to cut them out on the machine,” she says, highlighting the program’s focus on automation, robotics, and 3D printing – skills increasingly vital in today's manufacturing landscape.
Estares' future aspirations? To manufacture replacement parts for classic cars, a pursuit requiring ingenuity and a deep understanding of engineering principles. Her early inspiration comes from her father, an overnight truck driver who instilled in her a love for mechanics.
A growing campus, more opportunities
The demand for skilled tradespeople is soaring, and CCIC is expanding to meet the need. A recent voter-approved bond measure is fueling a significant expansion of the campus, adding space for 70% more students and introducing nine new high-demand career pathways—including automation/robotics mechatronics, EMT, veterinary assistant, HVAC, welding, baking & pastry, and film and motion design. The new programs will launch in the 2026-27 school year.
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” Estares urges. Langley echoes that sentiment, “There’s nothing that can stop you. There are only more opportunities that can open if you decide to go this route.” These young women aren't just shattering glass ceilings; they're building new runways for the next generation of female trailblazers.
The numbers speak for themselves: CCIC aims to train 70% more students, equipping them with industry certifications and preparing them for a wide range of career paths. The future of skilled trades is undeniably female—and the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is leading the way.