Celebrating Women's Equality Day
In the month of August, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day. The Office of Apprenticeship is committed to supporting Inclusive Registered Apprenticeship Programs that are accessible to all people, including women. Learn more about the ways that the Department of Labor is supporting women in Registered Apprenticeship from our DEIA resource page. In honor of Women’s Equality Day, the Office of Apprenticeship is spotlighting Liz’s story of succeeding in the construction trades through Registered Apprenticeship.
Liz's Success Story
Liz Nichols had a degree in English but had only been able to find work as a landscaper and barista in Portland, Oregon. Looking back, she says, “I was 29 years old, slowly sinking into debt, with no health benefits or plan for retirement. I wanted to have children, but I was in debt and had no health insurance, and it was hard to see a way forward on that path.”
So, Liz switched to a new path, beginning Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pathways to Success pre-apprenticeship program in January 2013. This program introduces women and nonbinary individuals to the skilled trades through field trips, guest speakers, hands-on work, and training opportunities. “They got me job-ready and connected me with the Cement Masons Union Local 555, [which] I decided to join after graduating from the pre-apprenticeship program.” Liz completed a cement mason apprenticeship, worked as a cement mason for nine years, and today works as a business agent for Local 555.
It’s not an exaggeration to say the apprenticeship changed her life. “I learned a skilled trade and feel comfortable in the knowledge that I can support myself and my family for my entire career. During my apprenticeship, I was able to work my way up to a living wage, pay off all my debt, and provide health insurance for me and my husband. I bought a house, and I got pregnant with my son in the last year of my apprenticeship. My son is now 6 years old, and I have an 18-month-old daughter whom I support with my job in the trades.”
She also points to the confidence the training gave her. “I'd always been a mediocre student with ADHD and a learning disability. I had very little confidence in my ability to ever find a career I could be successful in and make a living wage in. The hands-on learning and fast pace of construction suited my style of learning perfectly, and I became a valued and sought-after worker. Finding this path made me believe in myself and my future in a way I never had before.”
Are you considering a career in the trades? Liz wants you to know that you can do it! “There is nothing that the construction trades require of you physically or mentally that you're not capable of with a little training, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!”
How Apprenticeship Can Help Build a Strong, Diverse Workforce
Apprenticeship is a workforce solution that actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace - including race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. You can view resources below to learn more about the ways that the Department of Labor is supporting different aspects of diversity in apprenticeship to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Designing Inclusive Apprenticeships
Get tools to help ensure all aspects of your apprenticeship program are inclusive and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
Women in Apprenticeship
Discover how the Department of Labor is supporting women so that they can secure good paying jobs through apprenticeship.
People with Disabilities in Apprenticeship
Learn more about the ways that the Department of Labor is supporting people with disabilities in apprenticeship.
INDUSTRY ALLYSHIP
Three organizations formed their own network and programs for tradeswomen.
BROADENED RECRUITMENT
Community colleges employ strategies to attract and retain female workers in non-traditional fields.
DIVERSIFIED WORKFORCE
Seeking to include those with employment barriers, including English language learners.
Technical Assistance
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility RA TA Center – Jobs for the Future (JFF) - This Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Center provides strategies and customized support to employers, education providers, intermediaries, and government entities to drive diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in Registered Apprenticeships.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and advancing DEIA
In 2016 the Department of Labor released updated Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations for Registered Apprenticeship Programs to help businesses reach a larger and more diverse pool of workers. When all workers, including women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities, have the opportunity to become apprentices, we tap into our nation's full potential and open new career pathways for American workers. Learn more about EEO quality standards in apprenticeship programs using our EEO page.