NEW! download NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)'s scholarship application here! Deadline has been extended to April 22.

Women are encouraged to apply to any Apprenticeship Program for a trade they believe they have an interest in learning and are capable of performing after training. Apprenticeship training does not require previous knowledge or work in a trade, however, understanding the type of work expected and the nature of the work site and conditions will assist anyone in making a good career decision.

There has been significant movement in the United States toward recruiting women into the trades. Some Apprenticeship Programs are assisting potential women apprentices with an Orientation program. Contact the program in which you are interested and ask if they offer a career orientation for women. Also, there are possible further financial aids for either of the sexes who wish to enter a career field with less than 25% of their gender represented in the workforce. For example, there is money for buying textbooks for men who want to enter the K-12 teaching field and nursing or women who wish to study to become plumbers, computer specialists, electricians and any other career that is considered predominately male. At San Diego City College the New Horizons Program has some funding for students entering non-traditional career fields. Please call 619-388-3424 for more information.

Useful Links
To research information about a trade, please visit the following websites which may also have further links and information about Mentor opportunities for new women joining a trade, other financial assistance, career information and opportunities to network with other women in specific trades.

www.dir.ca.gov — visit the subject of Apprenticeships for career information and training

WomenTech Talk listserv

http://www.womentechworld.org/

San Diego City College Career and Transfer Center can assist you in learning more … and help assess your career interests . . . Call 619-388-3722 or visit their web site http://www.sdcity.edu/transfer/default.asp