Michelle, pictured above, has benefited from the Nontraditional Employment for Women's (NEW) Construction Trades Prep program, which provides extensive job readiness training for working women who want to develop a career in the building trades. Michelle enrolled in the program because trades jobs offered higher wages and the opportunity to further develop her technical skills. "I believe that I am a good candidate for this [work] not only because I have a minor in electrical engineering, but because I am a very hard and dedicated worker. I take my job very seriously and do what needs to be done."

Casie is a March 2003 graduate of the Construction Trades Prep program. A native New Yorker, Casie decided she wanted a career change. "I began making a living, or trying to, using the skills I have already and have found it very difficult due to the fact that I am independent. I made contact with NEW and was given the opportunity to take a step closer to stable employment within a union." Casie graduated at the top of her class, winning the coveted "Golden Hammer Award," a staff-elected honor that signifies excellence in carpentry and leadership. "I love working with my hands. I've been doing this kind of work for many, many years for myself. I really enjoy the variety, the constant learning and the reality and feeling of accomplishment." Casie is currently employed as a first year apprentice with the Empire State Carpenters on Long Island, where she is attending training classes and working steadily.

Barb is working with Keyspan, the largest gas utility in the Northeast, as an apprentice technician starting at $15.40 per hour. She will receive a substantial raise after the first six months. She accessed this apprenticeship through a program developed by Women in the Building Trades (WIBT), a recipient of the Women's Bureau's Women in Apprenticeship and Non-Traditional Occupations (WANTO) grant. Barb was unemployed prior to entering the apprenticeship program. Now gainfully employed, her ambitions include pursuing a gasfitters license and eventually obtaining a plumbers license. Currently Barb enjoys the challenge of her work and learning more about heating systems.

The Women's Bureau will continue to support women who embark upon careers in non-traditional occupations to support themselves and their families.

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For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S. Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202) 693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725