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Women at work TIM CURRAN THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
Produced by Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., the annual fair helps increase diversity and the overall number of women working in skilled trades. It also helps fill gaps in the labor force created through record-levels of retirements among skilled trades people. Demonstrating its importance, some schools brought groups both Thursday (Middle School Girls' Day) and Friday (High School Girls' Day). Students-along with 192 teachers-were among the more than 2,000 people who attended the event over its three-day run. About 100 people attended the first Women in Trades Career Fair, a one-day event held in 1993 in Newport, Oregon. Founded as a small support group by four tradeswomen in 1989, Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. is dedicated to promoting success for women in the trades through education, leadership and mentorship. OTI was founded on the principles that women deserve and can attain economic self-sufficiency through pursuing careers in the building, mechanical, electrical and utility trades while helping and encouraging the trades industry to build a diverse workforce. In addition to the annual Women in Trades Career Fair, OTI offers three programs for young women. 1) Building Girls Summer Construction Camps and Work Crew: OTI's Building Girls program educates middle and high school girls about careers in the trades and offers workshops, summer camps and a paid work crew for girls to earn while they learn. 2) Pathways to Success Pre-Apprenticeship Class: OTI's Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class is a seven-week state-certified pre-apprenticeship class for women. Classroom instruction and field work help prepare women for a high-skill, high-wage career in the trades. 3) Tradeswomen Organized for Outreach, Leadership and Support: OTI's TOOLS program gives tradeswomen the skills and opportunity to advocate for equity in the trades. Learn more about networking meetings, events and current campaigns at www.tradeswomen.net. |
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