Building trades are a pipeline to good jobs for women. How one plumber is making her mark.

Summary

Devyn Maher, an apprentice plumber in Rhode Island, is breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated building trades. As a member of UA Local 51, she’s gaining valuable skills while working on significant projects, including a new elementary school in Pawtucket, and is committed to encouraging more women to enter the field.

This story highlights the ongoing efforts to increase female representation in the construction workforce, where women make up only about 10% of workers nationwide. Organizations like Building Futures Rhode Island play a crucial role in training and supporting women in their journey into the trades, ensuring that more individuals have access to equitable career opportunities in high-demand fields.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This narrative emphasizes the importance of apprenticeship programs in creating pathways for underrepresented groups in the workforce. By showcasing the success of women like Devyn Maher, it illustrates how registered apprenticeships can lead to fulfilling careers while promoting diversity and inclusion in the building trades.