|
helping the next generation of women in construction
Today women in the trades have access to appropriately sized work clothes and tools. They also have a women-only locked portapotty on site. Construction trailers may also double as a private place for pumping breast milk. So yes, some changes are making this work easier for women in construction.
But due to city ordinances, most days start at 7a.m. and end at 3:30p.m. Obtaining childcare may be difficult for the early morning hours.
Also, did you ever listen to the jargon in construction? Just consider the terminology - manholes, nuts, screws, male/female receptacles, and nipples.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offers support to enhance a women's construction industry career - networking, education, and more. With almost 5,500 members in 170 chapters across the United States, issues such as pay equity, safety and women's concerns are addressed. For details visit their web site, www.nawic.org.
she shines interviews
WE CAN DO IT:
history of women
in construction
1813: Shaker-Sister,
Tabitha Babbitt (1784-
1854) invented the first
circular saw used in a
saw mill.
1918: As the United
States enters World War I,
100,000 women are called
to railroad yards for the
first time to fill manual
labor and mechanics
positions vacated by men
leaving for war. Women
do their jobs well, disproving
the many skeptics
doubting women’s
strength and durability.
1941: A massive government
and industry media
campaign persuades
women to take jobs during
World War II. Almost
seven million women
respond.
1991: The first womenbuilt
Habitat for Humanity
house was completed.
1998: Lt. Col. Nancy Jane
Currie leads a crew of
astronauts on the first
International Space
Station assembly mission
and becomes the first
woman in construction in
outer space. During the
mission, Currie operates
a 50-foot robotic arm to
connect American and
Russian segments of the
space station.
today: Women are still
very under-represented in
many facets of the construction
industry, though
it is becoming more recognized
as a viable career
choice for young women
entering the work world.
Excerpt from The NAWIC
IMAGE, January/February 2005
|
"Think outside the box." - Pamela House
House is a senior project accountant at Gilbane Building Company. She is also an immediate past president and current director at NAWIC. With 27 years working in the construction industry, she enjoys paying it forward for the next generation. Although she sees mentoring as win win - some have experience, others fresh ideas. House wants girls to understand the value in math, engineering, and science. To sample working in the trades, she suggests getting involved in a Women Build Habitat Project or attending a local NAWIC event.
|
|
 "We need more women in construction . . .
the opportunity is there." - Linda Bouchard
Bouchard is the payroll/human resource administrator at DIMEO Construction Company. She is also on the board of directors at NAWIC. Bouchard was instrumental in organizing the Rhode Island Tradeswomen Network. To connect to this network contact her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
|
|
 "A mentor is your key to success." - Judi Baxter
Baxter is the voice of Gilbane at Gilbane Building Company. She is also a national director at NAWIC. Baxter says fewer women are going into the construction industry. Her goal is to grow membership to sustain the organization and industry. For more information on NAWIC locally, visit www.nawicri.org.
|
interviews by Lisa Piscatelli
photos by Agapao Productions
trading up
It has never been a better time to consider a career in the skilled trades. A multitude of career options for every interest and aptitude are available – jobs that offer respect, opportunity, good pay and geographical mobility.
Today, the line between “white-collar” and “blue-collar” is becoming blurred. Through the use of technology, skilled trades are not “dirty” as they once may have been; however, they are often still perceived this way. In fact, knowledge of computer software and mechanical systems is increasingly important. Demand is rising quickly for skilled trades-people who have an aptitude for technology.
A glimpse into the earning potential of an electrician’s average salary range, $45,000 - $70,000.
Excerpt from The NAWIC IMAGE, Trading Up, compiled by Kara D. Roberson. Trading Up and We Can Do It reprinted with permission.
|
