Century Community Training Program - Supporting Women in the Building Trades

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Men in Los Angeles still outnumber women in construction jobs nine to one.[rollover source= Women in the Labor Force: A Databook, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2005, p. 39; http://www.bls.gov/cps/wlf-databook2005.htm ].

Construction jobs, especially union apprenticeships, represent a way for women who are interested in this traditionally male-dominated field to support themselves and their families. To encourage women to explore careers in construction, CCTP has a special emphasis on recruiting and supporting women in the construction trades.

Trainee hammering In addition to recruiting women to participate in the training course, CCTP coordinates the Tradeswomen Advisory Council, a support network that pairs journey-level tradeswomen in mentoring relationships with new entrants. Participants also meet regularly as a larger group to encourage one another, share work place issues/concerns, and announce job opportunities. Support groups and mentoring programs are essential in the retention of women in the construction industry.

CCTP also holds an annual empowerment retreat, providing a relaxing, educational environment where tradeswomen can network, exchange workplace advice, and examine industry trends.

Before graduating from Century’s construction training program in 2000, Joanne was a poorly paid shipping clerk. She now earns a salary, enjoys her job, and can afford a better quality of life for her two children.

“Life is taking a chance, and I took the chance,” Joanne says. “Had I not gone to the CCTP program, I think I would have given up a long time ago. Being a woman, I used to believe that construction was only a man’s job. There are a lot of women out there, and it’s no longer a man’s job.”