Women in Construction Apprenticeships

California is making big investments in apprenticeship and providing opportunities for women who want to build a meaningful career in the trades. Construction and building trade apprenticeships have helped provide many people with a solid career and good pay, but nationally only 3 to 4% of the building trades’ workforce are women. It’s time for that to change.

Are you a woman who is interested in becoming an apprentice in the building and construction trades?

When asked about their apprenticeship, many women start by telling how they felt—at the end of their rope. Giving up hope on a life of ease for their families, and of a chance at retirement. Then, someone told them about apprenticeship and they took a chance, reached out for more information and did the work.

First step: find an apprenticeship program.

Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship Grant (ERiCA)
DAS is offering funding to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to offer both supportive resources for childcare (up to $5000/pre-apprentice and $10,000/apprentice) and outreach and community building to women, non-binary and underrepresented populations in the building trades. Please visit the ERiCA Grant page to learn more about the grant and the programs that receive the funding.

Resources

While working in the trades can be very rewarding, finding support is key for women who want to thrive in this line of work. The following links have been compiled to help you succeed.

Pre-apprenticeships

Pre-apprenticeship programs can help you prepare for entry into an apprenticeship program. Here are a few that have equity focused cohorts:

Women-Centered Organizations

Resources and News:

Women in Construction Profiles

Jessica Flores welding

It took quite a while for the Ironworkers to welcome women into their ranks. The first known women Ironworker, Kelly Mann, was from Local 751 Alaska. She started working Iron in 1975. Fast forward to today. Ironworkers Local 229 has many female journey workers and apprentices... Read More