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The "Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations" or WANTO grants have been awarded to 11 community-based organizations that help employers and unions establish apprenticeship programs, recruit women and help overcome barriers to women in nontraditional jobs.

"Apprenticeship training is a great opportunity for women to gain valuable skills that can advance their careers with better paying jobs," said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. "By expanding the skills of America's working women, we are addressing the needs of our workforce and assisting women in the development of rewarding careers. When women win, families win."

Under the WANTO initiative, 11 community-based organizations were awarded grants on September 30, 2002 to provide on-site technical assistance to employers and unions that develop strategies to increase the employment of women in apprenticeship and nontraditional occupations.

"Today's women are moving into positions of influence and leadership faster than ever. It's happening on factory floors and on Wall Street - even in government," says Women's Bureau Director Shinae Chun. "This grant program will assist women to gain the skills they need to find and hold good jobs, particularly in fields many women have not previously explored. From Maine to California, women will have more opportunities as a result of these grants."

The WANTO grantees are:

• Oregon Tradeswoman, Inc., Portland, Oregon
• Nontraditional Employment for Women, New York, N.Y.
• Women in the Building Trades, Dorchester, Massachusetts
• Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., Kihei, Hawaii
• Tradeswomen, Inc., Oakland, California
• Chicago Women in Trades, Chicago, Illinois
• Workforce Connections, Inc., La Crosse, Wisconsin
• Century Housing Corporation, Culver City, California
• Women Unlimited, Augusta, Maine
• Mi Casa Resource Center for Women, Denver, Colorado
• Hard Hatted Women, Cleveland, Ohio

As large numbers of skilled workers retire from the workforce, filing the "skills gap" and identifying workers for these important jobs is central to keeping the U.S. competitive and strong. Women will play an essential role in filling these jobs. Professional opportunities in the skilled trades are financially rewarding as they offer higher entry-level wages and hourly pay between $20 and $30 per hour, or higher.

The Women's Bureau administers the grants with the Labor Department's Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services. Additional information regarding nontraditional occupations in the trades for women can be found on the Women's Bureau's Nontraditional Occupations site.

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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