A new pre-apprenticeship program is giving women the opportunity to learn more about the building trades industry. Ohio Women in Trades hosted a meeting for its female building trades pre-apprenticeship program at Lima Adult Learning Center.
Throughout the night women learned more about the class schedule and what it takes to be in it. The free 9-week course will introduce women to all the building trades including pipefitters, electricians, and carpenters. They will also provide safety training, hands-on experience, and physical fitness preparation. The program is funded by the Lima City Schools' Aspire program. They have also partnered with Chicago Women in Trades and several other area organizations.
“Typically in our society, it’s not suggested to women that hey you can do construction work,” said Mandi Meckstroth, Ohio Women in Trades Founder and Director. “So I think there are plenty of women out there who can do it and if they were given the opportunity to see what it’s about they wouldn’t be so intimidated.”
There will be another meeting on November 15th at the Lima YMCA from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Classes start November 23. For more information contact Laura Ball at 419-996-3082.
