Sisters in the Brotherhood, a project of the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund ran in Albany, Buffalo, and Rock Tavern in 2021. The program seeks to increase gender diversity in the trades by recruiting women for a four-week training program that opens the door to people who may have never considered this type of work. Successful completion results in direct entry into the carpentry apprenticeship program, where the women begin to earn while they learn as a union carpenter.
WDI assisted with funding for tools, personal protective equipment, and mentorship.Transportation stipends were also provided to reduce one of the biggest barriers to success during training. This allows the trainees to get to know the trade and explore whether it is a good fit for them. Sisters in the Brotherhood aims to increase female participation to 10% overall in carpentry, giving women the skills to enter a career with familysustaining wages, and the support and
benefits of the union. It will help set the stage for success for many women in carpentry as construction needs rise across the state.
For more information on the Sisters in the Brotherhood pre-apprenticeship program, please contact Nicole Grodner ngrodner@nasrcc.org or Melissa Clark mclark@nasclmp.org.
photo credit: Sisters in the Brotherhood