“I entered the plumbing trade where I had hoped that, I would be in a position to offer my children a better life. I went through a five year apprenticeship program with pay raises every 6 months (as an apprentice) holding down a steady job with benefits. I also found plumbing to be a rewarding career, because women can earn 2-3 times more in a nontraditional job” – Joyce, Member of the Women on the Job Task Force
Women in Nontraditional Jobs
One of Women on the Job’s objectives is to encourage more women to explore a career in the Trades area. For anyone who is interested, there are apprenticeship training programs in the construction industry and crafts and other nontraditional occupations. Apprenticeship training is the process of learning a skilled trade through training on the job (practical experience) while acquiring related technical education—usually in a classroom environment. Although some programs are long, the payoff is proportional and women can expect salaries much higher than wages paid to female dominated occupations, as well as benefits, and the gratification of achieving their goals.
As an apprentice, you are a full-time, paid employee usually starting at about 50% salary of the craft workers’ wage rate, with increases every six months until training is completed. You will then earn full craft workers’ wages. There are also benefits in many programs including paid vacation, paid holidays, insurance, hospitalization and retirement plans. The length of training, which varies from one to six years, depends on the trade selected.
The New York State Department of Labor is available to answer questions about pursuing a career in the Trades.
The NYS Department of Labor offers an overview of apprenticeship training for anyone interested in exploring a career in the trades or information to those organizations looking to sponsor a registered apprenticeship training program for their own employees. 
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