We Can Do It: Accounts of Successful Organizations Aiding in the Employment of Women and Minorities in the Trades
In the past century, many hardworking women and minorities have been excluded from trade work. This research looked at how successful community-based organizations such as Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) and 134 Jumpstart aided women and minorities in gaining employment in the trades. Over the next ten years one million jobs in the construction industry are to be added across the country and in the Chicago area alone 5,400 jobs resulting in the large number of workers retiring within the next decade. Therefore, there is a need for women and minorities in these fields. This study revealed the barriers for women and minorities in trade work as well as the characteristics that make CWIT and 134 Jumpstart successful in getting women and minorities hired. The researcher interviewed the program directors of CWIT and 134 Jumpstart first by phone and then again in person on site of CWIT. The interview included questions based on the successful status of the organization. The success of these organizations depended on effective recruitment, quality training, dedicated students, and support networks provided. Similar organizations are needed to increase the number of minorities and women in trade work fields.
School:
Texas State University
Department:
Psychology
Research Advisor:
Helena Worthen
Department of Research Advisor:
School of Labor & Employee Relations
Year of Publication:
2008