MONTAGUE — When Nicole Miller was a student at Franklin County Technical School, she was one of just two girls in a male-dominated field of study. Now, as a teacher at the school, Miller helps connect girls to women working in the trades.

Freshmen students met with a panel of women on Friday morning at the Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts in an event called “Tradeswomen of Tomorrow.” Miller, one of the organizers, explained that the annual event helps female students envision how they could fit in male-dominated fields.

“We want to let them know that there’s a bunch of women to support you if you choose to go down a male-dominated path,” Miller said.

Manufacturing and Engineering Technician Danielle Marcoux shared with students that despite working in an environment made up primarily of men, she loves her job and hasn’t had any negative experiences as one of few women.

“I just hope you guys find the field and don’t let being a young girl stop you if you just see a bunch of men all around you,” Marcoux said.

Horticulture and Landscaping student Allison George led the panel discussion. She noted she remembers attending the event as a freshman, and appreciated the chance to imagine different opportunities for herself.

“It was very eye-opening to see everybody that’s like me,” George said in an interview. “It’s nice to see everybody and see where I was a couple years ago, and where I am now.”

After hearing 16 different tradeswomen discuss their career paths, students had the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from the speakers.

Franklin Tech graduate Lily Thompson said she was grateful to get to return to the school and speak with girls about the opportunities available to them in the trades.

“It’s just one of those fantastic things to give the ninth graders exposure to all the possibilities of what’s out there, within the trades,” Thompson said. “The money’s fantastic, the mentality of being in trades has changed … We’re much more inclusive, and in western Mass. we have a thriving network of ladies all in the trades, out there to help each other.”