Breaking barriers: Shetarra Prickett pursues electrical program at SCC, defying expectations for women in the trade

Published on Mar 29, 2024

Shetarra Prickett is a 2018 Rockcastle County High School graduate who breaks stigmas by exploring new paths, regardless of the expectations for women. In high school, she took welding, electricity, and JROTC classes, which gave her a solid foundation to pursue SCC's electrical technology program.

Despite facing challenges in her career and education, Prickett refused to give up on her dreams of becoming the first financially well-off person in her family and supporting her father's retirement.

"Growing up, I had three brothers and a father. We weren't as well off as other families, but we had the good Lord to help us through it," Prickett said.

After high school, Prickett faced several obstacles. She had no vehicle and considered joining the military but ultimately decided against it. After finding a job at the hospital, she saved enough money to buy a car, but she thought college was out of reach.

Her and her fiancé worked hard to get their own place filled with animals and a garden, something she has always wanted, but something was still missing from her life. She was determined to find it and was ready for a challenge.

"Throughout my time working, I had many thoughts on what I could be doing," Prickett reflected. She finally decided to take the leap and enroll in classes at SCC, pursuing an Associate of Science Degree at first.

After realizing she wanted to do something more hands-on, she switched majors and enrolled in SCC's electrical technology program. She wasn't about to give up on her goals.

"I chose SCC due to its good reputation and connection to my hometown vocational school," Prickett said. "At the time, it allowed me to push beyond my perceived limitations and feel more secure."

Despite being one of the few women in the program, she felt encouraged by her instructors and friends in the classroom.

"Working full-time while in college has not been easy," Prickett said. "I had self-doubt with electricity, but my experience gave me hope to do it."

Prickett has been overcoming self-doubt and gaining confidence in her abilities. Her favorite memory in the classroom was when she hooked up lights correctly on the first try, and her favorite skill she has gained is the ability to read a schematic, wire it correctly, and keep it neat and organized.

"Today's times feel more comfortable and progressive with more females joining the trades," Prickett shared. She encourages other women to pursue their passions, regardless of the stigma and statistics. Although only 2.33% of electricians in the US are women, Prickett believes that the times are changing.

"After graduation, I hope to find a job that will allow me to continue to grow and learn in the electrical field," Prickett said. "I have hope for an amazing career where I can reach the goals I have set for myself."

Learn more about SCC's Electrical Technology program.