We Do It For Our Families - Women In Construction Trades

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We Do It For Our Families

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So Melina or "ShyeShye" (her AOL 'alter ego') who writes the "Chatter Page," a communication for the organization Sisters In The Building Trades, contacted me recently about my artwork, I did some for her and a couple pieces are shown here.

I am somewhat familiar with jobs in the building industry. Yes, these jobs are hard work; but, ladies, they're not too hard. Of course it has always been a male dominated field (I think the percentage of women in the industry is something bizarrely low like 3%).

These jobs pay very well.

Elevator constructors can earn as high as $50/hour plus excellent benefits.

Ladies - check this out - these jobs are unique as candidates enter through an apprenticeship program where they learn a trade through on-the-job training supplemented by classroom instruction at state-of-the-art training facilities. Typically, most instruction and training is performed by journeymen with years of experience in the given trade. Comprehensive training in any apprenticeship is usually provided through the union and the expense may be covered through your union dues. Is that cool or what?

Organizations like Sisters in the Building Trade (which covers both U.S. and Canada):

* promote success for women who are already in the trade through education, leadership and mentorship
* build the leadership and advocacy skills of women working in the building, construction, mechanical and utility trades
* and finally look to our girls' futures. They believe that when you change the world of one girl, she changes the world around her. They seek to encourage girls to consider a field which she may not have otherwise considered an option! They think that it's important to show a broad range of careers in science and tech to girls.

Just like all trades, plumbers and electricians get paid according to their qualifications, union status, work setting and other factors. A plumber salary will of course be higher for an experienced business owner than for an apprentice plumber who is just starting out.
So, just like we women have always done (we do whatever we have to do for our families), work in the construction industry is suggested as an option, especially during this economic crisis. Our economy is seeing less and less manufacturing jobs, but service jobs continue to increase.
So, any of you gals who are looking to get into a trade, contact the union hall of choice and find out when the next hiring is. Good luck and go kick a**.

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Helpful Websites For Those With Interest in Jobs In The Building Industry:
Sisters In The Building Trades
National Association Women In Construction
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
International Union Of Elevator Constructors
Helmets To Hardhats - Helmets to Hardhats connects Veterans into promising careers in construction.
United Brotherhood Of Carpenters and Joiners of America
The United Association Of Journeymen and Apprentices Of The Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of The United States and Canada
Sheet Metal Workers International Association
International Brotherhood Of Teamsters
Finishing Contractors Association

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