Workforce Development Initiatives

Our pledge 50/50 by 2030 is a pledge for equity in the trades and that means FULL equity. Therefore, in addition to increasing the number of women in the industry we must also address the challenges and problems that put people in the industry at a disadvantage.

COVID has disproportionately impacted women, especially women of color. CNN reported that in December 2020 employers cut 140,000 jobs.  All of those jobs were women; while men gained 16,000 jobs. President Biden, has noted that 2 million women have left the workforce within the past year due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Our solution is to create more pathways for women in the construction and manufacturing industry. We need more on-ramps for women in the trades and we need to take new approaches for training to address the widening gap for women. It is our goal to get women to work as quickly as possible. 

Women in the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship

This 8-week, pre-apprenticeship training prepares women with the skills and experience necessary to build successful, long-term careers in the construction industry. Graduates can either enter entry-level employment within the construction industry or move on to receive additional training through apprenticeships.

Pre-apprenticeship Training offers:

  • construction math
  • tool usage and handling
  • practice with industry professionals
  • job site tours
  • OSHA-10 & First Aid / CPR
  • Grow with Google technology / customer service training
  • weekly stipend*
  • light evening meal
  • child supervision (ages 3-12)
  • personal Chromebook*
  • connect to local employers
  • post-training support

*Requirement & stipulations must be met to receive benefits.

Women @ Work Apprenticeship

The W@W Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program is a 2 year apprenticeship that provides classroom instruction and on-the-job learning.  Curriculum and the day-to-day training schedule is designed by a licensed general contractor and former teacher and delivered by industry professionals from several construction trades areas. Individuals who successfully complete all aspects of our training are placed either with an employer partner, in employment with SBTC, or are encouraged to start their own business.

The apprenticeship program is a full-time paid position.

Apprenticeship Training Includes:

  • learn transferable construction trade skills; carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC
  • full-time schedule (40 hours per week), Monday-Friday
  • above average hourly pay
  • OSHA 30 Certification
  • First Aid/CPR Certification
  • entrepreneurship training
  • soft skills training

Want to learn more and apply?

We are now accepting applications for the next Women in the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship cohort. Classes will begin August 2023.

Please join us for one of our virtual information session to learn more and ask any questions you may have.

Apply Here
Information Sessions
EVENTS