Celebrating Women in Construction Week: Gisele’s Journey as a Heavy-Duty Repair Apprentice
The Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) Grant funding has been instrumental in expanding outreach efforts to recruit and retain more women in the construction industry. For Gisele Herrera, a career in construction was about more than just a job – it was about building a future. As a first-year heavy-duty repair apprentice with Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3) , Gisele saw the opportunity as an entry into a high-demand career while securing financial stability. “I joined construction because I really wanted a livable wage and a pension, honestly. And I was also really interested in welding, and that incorporated into the position I have now,” Gisele explained during an interview.
Gisele’s journey into the trades began with the CityBuild pre-apprenticeship program where she gained foundational construction skills. Upon graduating from the CityBuild pre-apprenticeship program, Gisele earned a spot in the OE3 heavy-duty repair apprenticeship program. The program ensures apprentices gain the necessary knowledge, hands-on skills, and certifications needed to excel in the field. OE3 has mandatory training for a six-week probationary orientation period for new apprentices. During this period, apprentices are instructed by skilled, experienced operators. The class size is usually six students per instructor and each apprentice receives a 10-hour OSHA safety training, first aid training, and training on the basic knowledge of their selected trade. OE3 also offers free campus accommodations where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during training. Gisele has found this six-week phase particularly helpful. From this six-week phase Gisele shares, “Dorming at the facility is a really big privilege and advantage, especially if you live farther away. I've probably benefited the most from the six-week training. I was with the heavy duty repair instructors, which really was just fueling and lubing all the equipment every single morning. That's how you get to learn a lot about how the equipment works, what it's supposed to look like, and how it's supposed to sound.”
As Gisele continues her journey, she hopes to inspire more women to explore careers in the construction industry. For other women considering a career in the construction trades, Gisele offers this advice: “My advice for other women considering a career in the construction trades would be just to do it. It seems really scary and daunting, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like any other job. And you meet a lot of really amazing women and realize that you’re not the only one that’s out on the field.”
March 2025