Logo

Resources For Women Interested In The Trades

Wednesday, 25 September
Architects-using-digital-tablet-at-site-cm

There’s such an urgent need for skilled workers in the trades, this is a great time for women to enter the field. In fact, a career in the trades will often pay more than most office jobs that women traditionally have been hired for, and the pay gap is much more narrow than most industries!. And while stereotyping and prejudice will still occur, there are more resources than ever available to support and combat these decreasing practices. Here are some of the organizations who can help support you if you’re a woman interested in a career in the trades:

OTI – Oregon Tradeswomen

This Oregon based organization leads the country in encouraging a diverse workforce, and offers innovative trades-based training programs, trades awareness activities and technical assistance to organizations seeking to be inclusive of women in their trade occupations. They now have almost 400 members with support of industry employers, and they host an annual trades career fair for women and girls.

Info here

Girls Build

This nonprofit originated out of projects initiated through OTI, and now is an independent educational organization that teaches 8-14 year old girls about carpentry, plumbing, electricity, and more at after-school classes and one-week summer camps.

Info here

The National Association of Women in Construction

The membership based organization supports women in the trades with information and education, recognition, scholarships, and an annual national conference. They work through higher education and industry sponsor partnerships.

Info here

Western Resources Center for Women in Apprenticeship

They help to increase the number of women entering and completing apprenticeships and trade careers by helping them learn more about apprenticeship opportunities and providing current tradeswomen with resources to support their long term success in the trades. They also help employers recruit women.

Info here

WCOE – Women Construction Owners & Executives

WCOE helps women executives and women-owned businesses succeed in the construction industry. They offer support and create opportunities for women, including mentorship and peer-to-peer assistance. They also influence legislation by advocating for issues that are important to women in the trades, including access to business financing and federal contracting opportunities.

Info here

ANEW – Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women

This Seattle-based organization offers pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for both women and men interested in a career in the trades. They also help with employment navigation and financial support for craftsmen and women. They host youth programs as well as an annual summit.

Info here

 

Working in the trades offers many options for both steady ongoing work or short-term building project assignments, and technology has created more of a variety of types of skills needed beyond the typical heavy work. If you’re a woman in the trades, or are interested in getting into the trades, give Madden a call or visit www.mici.com. We can help you find work, guide you to an apprenticeship program, or point you to the resources you need.

 

Recent publications

View All News
Female worker using tape measure at site-cm
Thursday, 06 January

5 Undeniable Reasons a Construction Gig is Better Than A Desk Job

Whether you’re a high schooler thinking about entering into the...
Somebody came more prepared than the others... cm
Wednesday, 26 September

How to Actually Impress Them in an Interview

In this job market where craftsmen are in high demand,...
A Group of Multicultural Workers are Exercising During a Work and Stretching a Muscles-cm
Wednesday, 22 June

Use This 10-Minute Morning Stretching Routine to Stay Loose & Prevent Injuries

Craftsmen are a special breed of professionals who can put...