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Oregon Tradeswomen Inc. will host its 22nd annual next week.

The three-day event, geared to draw more women into construction and other trades, will take place May 8-10 at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Portland.

Each day, different age groups will be able to participate in hands-on activities and workshops, said Mary Ann Naylor, spokeswoman for OTI, a nonprofit. Middle School Girls’ Day and High School Girls’ Day will take place May 8 and 9, respectively, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Careers for Women Day, on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be open to the general public.

Participants will be able to try out firefighting equipment, climb a utility pole, use welding tools, wire a light and switch, learn about solar and wind power, build wooden birdhouses or tool boxes, and engage in other activities, Naylor said.

On the days catered to high school students and the general public, more than 70 exhibitors will be in attendance to share information about various industries and entry-level positions.

One highlight of the event, Naylor said, is a tradeswomen fashion show. Women working in the trades model their gear and tools, and share how they got into their fields.

“It has such an impact on the school-age girls,” she said.