Paladin

Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: News

Hoping to attract women to jobs that pay $35 an hous, LBCC presented the Women in the Trade job fair Wednesday, April 16.

Employers are offering apprenticeship programs so students can earn money as they learn.

The programs in PCC's Student Center encourage women to look to non-traditional jobs as a career choice.

Using "Rosie the Riveter" as the mascot, the fair aimed to introduce, encourage and recruit people into blue collar jobs through union apprenticeship programs, giving women the opportunity to earn money as they learn.

The Women's and Men's Resource Center and Christy Alvarez, an example of women in non-traditional trades, organized the fair. She is a student in the welding program and president of the welding club.

She credits electrical technology teacher Lynn Shaw for her passion to help women pursue careers in non-traditional fields.

"Mrs. Shaw is a strong advocate of women in the trades and has helped many students with tools, steel-toe boots and other equipment needed through grants," Alvarez said.

The jobs can be physical, but Jim Leslie, coordinator of Operating Engineers Training Trust, said the pay is equal for men and women. Jobs include crane and tractor operators, builders and highway maintenance.

Women in the apprenticeship program progress through several stages of training with pay increases through each stage. The apprenticeships can last seven months to three years. Women are taught high paying skills with wages ranging from $34 to $35 per hour.

Other benefits are medical, dental, retirement plans, pension, and free education. Some jobs offer a 25-year-and-out plan, meaning after working 25 years, employees can retire.

Director of the Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles program Susan Reyes said, "These jobs give women, especially single mothers, the opportunity to work one high paying job instead of two low paying jobs."

To qualify for the apprenticeship program, students may apply, test and be at least 18 years or older. Some jobs require a driver's license.

One of the brochures explained the jobs can be too physical for some and some women may not enjoy the hassles from men who have traditionally worked in these fields, but more women are becoming interested.

LBCC student Sandy Serrano said, "I don't have a problem with working in the trade, but I chose another career."

For more information, students may contact Anita Gibbons at the Women's and Men's Resource center at 938-3987.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools