Summary
Joy "JT" Ferguson, a member of Local 959 in Anchorage, Alaska, attributes her rise in the construction field to the Teamsters Union apprenticeship program, which provides essential training and career pathways for individuals in the trades. With a growing number of women joining this sector, the program aims to empower women through hands-on experience and support, helping them transition from jobs to sustainable careers in various trades such as construction driving, plumbing, and electrical work.
The increasing participation of women in the trades highlights a vital shift in workforce dynamics, driven by apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. Events like the upcoming conference led by North America’s Building Trades Unions underscore the commitment to fostering female talent in construction, ensuring that opportunities for growth and advancement are accessible across the industry.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This story showcases the transformative potential of registered apprenticeship programs in creating diverse career pathways in the trades. By focusing on women in construction, these initiatives not only enrich the workforce but also enhance the overall sustainability and growth of the industry.
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