Closing the Gap Featured Role Model (February 2021): Britney Cawrse

Britney Cawrse lives in Scio, Oregon, with her husband and two little boys. She is currently a student in Linn-Benton Community College’s Machine Tool Technology Program and plans to graduate in June 2021, 20 years after her high school graduation. Britney grew up wanting to be a sign-language interpreter and machining was never a field she dreamed of pursuing. However, after 8 years of being a stay-at-home mom, Britney felt it was time to go back into the workforce. She looked at classified ads and found herself staring at a long list of machinist job openings, and thought “I can do that!” Britney contacted LBCC and got into their program right away, knowing little about what it would take to be a machinist. Despite this, Britney jumped right in! Of course, there were struggles but she overcame them and has had a lot of fun along the way. She’s also taken advantage of some free credits to take a few welding classes.

What’s next after graduation?

After graduation, she plans on getting a job right away and working in the field for 10 years or so while working her way up through management. Britney hopes to either manage or own a machine shop and or become an instructor and teach others how to become a machinist.

“The reasons for keeping me going are our two boys and to encourage women of all ages that, no matter what age you are, you can always learn a new skill; and no matter the situation, you can push on through if you want it bad enough,” says Cawrse.

February 2021 Closing the Gap Resources

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