A local organization is helping women build the skills they need for a career in construction.
Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles, or WINTER, is a non-profit that aims to “increase the percentage of women working in union construction and building trades industry, promote Construction careers for low-income women of color, and prepare low-income women to attain the skills to become competitive in the workforce,” according to its website.
Carlos Torres, the organization’s executive director, said the free, 10-week program’s focus is on women ages 18 to 45.
“We encourage women to think of this as a path not only to middle-class and competitive wages, but also a career which in 20 or 30 years from now, they'll be able to retire, have a pension,” he told KNX News’ Margaret Carrero.
Isabel Hennessey told KNX News’ Margaret Carrero that she’s gone through a lot of changes since doing the program.
“When I started this program, I was incredibly shy and quiet and pretty timid, and now I feel like no matter what room I walk into I belong and I can prove it,” she said.
Selena Castellanos said the program has changed her life.
“I would doubt myself with what I can do, but I can do a lot,” she said. “I can do more and I'm going to go out there and show that I can and prove that us women are able to go out there and do even more.”
Selena added that she applied to a local union and is going to be a drywall finisher.
For more information on the program, click HERE.
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