Why construction

More women are working in construction in Massachusetts than ever before. Consider all the advantages and rewards of this career. In 2012, we had 173 women apprentices in union programs. Now, ten years later, we are seeing nearly a 341% increase in female apprentices.

Read how women built a life that works for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should women become construction workers?

  • Women should become construction workers for the same reasons that men do. The union construction trades pay very well and provide excellent family-sustaining benefits including health care and a pension plan. In addition to the financial benefits, construction will provide you with skills that are useful in many areas of your life. And the things you will be building will last for generations. Your grandchildren will be able to say, “My grandmother built that!”

• But isn’t the work too hard for women?

  • Absolutely not.  Although the work is too hard for some people.  Women have done heavy physical labor since the dawn of time and today women work in many physically demanding jobs that pay significantly less than construction.  If you work in a nursing home or restaurant, for instance, you are on your feet all day long, lifting heavy items and cleaning up messes.  You’ll need to be someone who is ready to be in good physical shape – in fact, it’s one of the things that draws some of us to the trades.  You’ll be trained to work safely on construction sites, and often will work with a partner or on a crew that will work together.  And since different trades have different physical demands, you can choose the trade that suits you best.

• I have worked in construction. Does that help?

  • Yes! There are many opportunities for tradeswomen today and depending on your experience level, we will refer you directly to an apprenticeship program or a union that can put you to work.

• Do I have to have experience in a trade to get into apprenticeship?

  • Great news: no, you don’t need to have experience! Apprenticeship is designed to train people without experience to become skilled craftspeople. You’ll learn both on the job and through classroom training. Experience is a plus, but is not a requirement. You will need to show that you have a sense of the work you are signing up to do, and that you are excited about and committed to completing the training.

• How can I become a construction worker?

  • The first step is to fill out the contact form on this website. We will get back to you with the complete program application. From there, we will advise you on what steps you need to take to be ready to apply to an apprenticeship program or pre-apprenticeship. If you do not yet have the qualifications, we will help you find resources you need to be able to qualify.

• What is apprenticeship?

  • Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. An apprentice is supervised by a journeylevel craftsperson. Depending on the trade, it takes from 2-5 years to complete an apprenticeship and become a journeylevel worker.

• What is pre-apprenticeship?

  • Pre-apprenticeship programs prepare participants to apply for apprenticeship by teaching them about the different building trades and the culture and organization of the construction industry. It includes certifications such as OSHA 10. It is a great choice for women who aren’t sure which trade to choose, or who want to get some construction experience and credentials before applying.

• What are the basic requirements to enter an apprenticeship program?

  • Union apprenticeships have different specific requirements and guidelines for application. In general, applicants must have a GED or high school diploma, be 18 years of age at time of application, have reliable transportation and a strong work ethic.

• What if I have a criminal record?

  • The building trades are “CORI friendly” and supportive of ex-offenders seeking career opportunities. Your record does not automatically prevent you from entering an apprenticeship or the building trades unions.

• How much does apprenticeship cost?

  • Like a full-ride scholarship, union apprenticeship training is paid for by the partnership between labor and management for each trade. In fact, you will be paid to work during your apprenticeship. Apprentices graduate debt-free.

• What about childcare?

  • At this time, we don’t have a good answer for this. It is a problem that the construction work day starts before 7 AM and you might be asked to do overtime until 7 PM. This may be the single greatest obstacle for women with children entering the trades. You will need to have a plan and rely on babysitters, family and friends to assist you with childcare.

    For workers in the greater Boston area, the Care That Works childcare pilot is an option to explore. Interested parties can go to CareThatWorks.org and fill out the interest form. Contact sarah@massclu.org with questions about this program.