We aim to recruit more women into the Building Trades Unions and challenge the preconception that construction is a man’s job. Everyone deserves an opportunity for a good paying, quality career with benefits. Construction is not for everyone, and that is equally true for both men and women. If you are the kind of person that likes working outdoors and with your hands, develop a skill you can take with you, and want good wages and benefits, consider a career with a Trade Union.
Myths and Facts about construction
Based on a Women’s Guide to Construction Careers found here.
Myth 1: You have to have experience or know someone to get a good job in the trades.
Fact: Most trades’ apprenticeship programs require only that you have a high school diploma and can pass an aptitude test, which typically requires no specific knowledge of that trade. Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide the training you will need, and they usually prefer to start from the beginning so you can be trained in accordance with their standards.
Myth 2: Blue collar work or heavy, physical labor is nontraditional for women.
Fact: Many jobs now thought to be nontraditional for women have been performed by women in the past. Throughout history, women have done heavy labor on the farm and in the fields alongside men. During World War II, over 6 million women entered the labor force to build ships and airplanes and make factory goods. These jobs are currently considered nontraditional only because women are underrepresented in them.
Myth 3: Women are not strong enough to do heavy labor.
Fact: The strength requirements for nontraditional jobs are often exaggerated. Many traditional jobs, such as nursing and waitressing, can be as physically demanding as some nontraditional jobs. Moreover, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that special equipment be provided for every heavy job regardless of whether it is being performed by a man or a woman. In addition, mechanization continues to decrease the level of physical strength demanded by many jobs. Finally, while the average man is stronger than the average woman, some women are stronger than some men, and all can develop both upper and lower body strength with training.
Myth 4: Women won’t like trades work.
Fact: Many women enjoy working with their hands and working outdoors. They take great pride in knowing that they have helped to build or create something. Many tradeswomen report a high degree of job satisfaction.
Apprenticeship
If you are ready to find a career in the Building Trades, apply for one of our many apprenticeships. Each of our member trades implements an apprenticeship program where you get trained in construction, On-the-Job, while getting paid. Our apprenticeships are designed to give you the highest skills and safety standards in construction. Learn more here.
MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship
If you are still not convinced or unsure which trade to join, consider taking a pre-apprenticeship course with our patent curriculum, the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3). This curriculum will prepare you for what it takes to be successful in the Building Trades. It will also help you decide which trade is right for you. We have partnered with different community organizations, community colleges and high schools throughout the Los Angeles and Orange Counties that implement our MC3 Curriculum. One of our partners specific goal is to increase the number of women in the Building Trades and many others have women instructors and mentors. Learn more about the MC3 Curriculum and our partners here.
One of our partners from Flintridge Center made this video telling Naomy’s Story. She is now an apprentice with the Sheet Metal workers. Flintridge Center serves Ex-Offenders and helps them find a career in the Building Trades using the MC3 Curriculum. Learn more about them here.
