She Built This City: Empowering Women and Underserved Communities Through Apprenticeship
According to a survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023, only 2.2% of plumbers, 2.3% of HVAC mechanics, 2.9% of electricians, and 3.1% of carpenters are women. In the larger picture, women represent only a small fraction of the skilled trades workforce. For many women, stigmas, stereotypes, and barriers make these careers seem out of reach. It was from a desire to change these statistics and fight for equity in the skilled trades industry that She Built This City was born.
She Built This City (SBTC), a non-profit headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, champions equity through programming that sparks interest and builds pathways to careers in the skilled trades for youth, women, and underserved communities. SBTC’s work began in 2019 as a combination of afterschool programs, camps, and workshops. On top of providing a supportive and inclusive environment where young people can thrive, the youth programs act as safe and educational childcare—encouraging community members to pursue professional careers while minimizing the worries associated with finding suitable childcare.
In 2022, SBTC Executive Director LaToya Faustin led the charge to expand the organization’s impact through the creation of registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. SBTC partnered with ApprenticeshipNC – Part of the NC Community College System (ANC), the State Apprenticeship Agency operating under the North Carolina Community College System, to design programs that offer a combination of structured on-the-job training and related instruction.
“The yield on investing in women will be tenfold. We know these women will take these skills and serve their community. They are going to build businesses and empower other families… the investment is well worth it…”–LaToya Faustin, She Built This City Executive Director
SBTC’s registered pre-apprenticeship programs are 9-weeks and designed to provide participants with the skills and experience necessary to build successful careers in the construction industry.
Pre-apprentices receive an introduction to several different trades, including electrical, HVAC, painting, plumbing, and carpentry. They also participate in training with industry professionals, job site tours, CPR training, and customer service training. Participants are also provided with light evening meals.
In addition, Pre-apprentices who meet the required stipulations receive weekly stipends and personal Chromebooks.
During the eighth week of the pre-apprenticeship, SBTC hosts a career expo during which the pre-apprentices interview with industry employers. To prepare for this, SBTC works with the pre-apprentices on their resumes and interview skills. Each pre-apprentice is guaranteed an interview.
SBTC supports accessibility to the program by also providing childcare to pre-apprentices with children ages three to 12.
Upon completion, graduates can either enter entry-level employment within the construction industry or further their training through a registered apprenticeship program. Along with hosting a Registered Apprenticeship cohort of its own, SBTC supports pre-apprentices in finding an apprenticeship program with partnered interested employers.
SBTC’s Facilities Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program is a 2-year apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction and on-the-job learning. The apprenticeship is a full-time, fully paid position. During the program, apprentices earn knowledge and hands on experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work. They also receive OSHA 30-Hour Certification, First Aid/CPR Certification, and entrepreneurship training.
“Apprenticeships, in general, provide a very unique opportunity to earn while you learn… you learn under someone who is a master of their trade.” –LaToya Faustin, Executive Director She Built This City
Individuals who successfully complete all aspects of their training find employment with an SBTC employer partner or are encouraged to start their own businesses.
In October 2023, SBTC partnered with Forge Greensboro to expand its programming to Greensboro, North Carolina. The organization hopes to further expand across the state in the future.
About She Built This City: She Built This City is dedicated to reshaping the narrative of skilled trades for youth, women, and marginalized communities. Through innovative and sustainable practices, SBTC is not only removing industry barriers but is also preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future. Learn more about She Built This City on their website.
About ApprenticeshipNC: Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), ApprenticeshipNC (ANC) is the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) operating under the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). ApprenticeshipNC registers apprenticeship programs tailored to meet employers’ needs— providing structured on-the-job learning, supplemental education, and a progressive wage scale. Learn more about ApprenticeshipNC here: https://www.apprenticeshipnc.com/
Learn more about donating to or volunteering with She Built This City here: Take Action — She Built This City
This article was written in February 2024 by ApprenticeshipNC Communications Assistant Margaret Spainhour for the Amplify ApprenticeshipNC Program Spotlight Initiative. See the original publication on LinkedIn here.
