Apprentice Feature: Women in Construction
Since 2016, the number of women in construction has steadily climbed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 14% of all construction workers were women as of August 2022. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Million Women in Construction Initiative last October, highlighting the goal of doubling the number of women in construction — from 1 million to 2 million — over the next 10 years.
More diversity in construction has long been the goal of our industry, especially as we continue to struggle with a labor shortage. Recruitment efforts within SMACNA Greater Chicago have become more inclusive, with a handful of women representing both Local Union 73 and Local Union 265.
We caught up with two female apprentices to talk about their experiences as apprentices in our local unions.
Gaby Cambray | Local 265
Gaby Cambray is a 1st year apprentice with Local 265. The 22-year-old took welding at her high school and knew in that moment she was meant for a hands-on job. When asked what drew her to the trades, she said, “There are so many different avenues to take. I can be a fabricator, TAB technician or be on the service side. The possibilities are endless.”
Although Gaby has only recently started her apprenticeship, she’s working hard to further her education and make sure she succeeds in the industry. In addition to day school courses and hands-on jobsite training, she’s also enrolled in night classes — particularly, the service course taught by Joe Carone.
“The instructors at the training center are enthusiastic and knowledgeable and are kind of like a human encyclopedia of the trades,” she said. “The more you learn, the better you become. As a young person, I don’t have much experience and was afraid of going into a job and not being able to keep up with the more experienced technicians. But the technicians I’ve come across want to see me succeed and they’re willing to share their knowledge.”
Gaby is aware that women have had negative experiences in this traditionally male-dominated industry, but she feels welcomed by her peers.
“My biggest supporters are my Local 265 brothers and in return I hope they know I’m their biggest supporter as well,” she said. “I think it would be cool to see more women in the trade though. Everything needs a women’s touch, I say.”
Shea Smith | Local 73
In her late twenties, Shea Smith wasn’t happy with her traditional desk job. After taking some time to explore her options, she signed up for the Chicago Women in Trades’ free Technical Opportunities Program (TOP), then applied for the Local 73 apprenticeship program. With four years of training nearly complete, she’s excited to turn out this spring.
The Local 73 JATC has given Shea a well-rounded education and equipped her with the skills she needs to succeed in a fast-paced industry. From drafting and AutoCAD, to fabrication, installation and testing, hanging ductwork has become her “bread and butter.” However, the variety keeps her engaged.
“We also get a sample of all the specialties — like architectural sheet metal and testing and balancing — and if we want to pursue those further, we can sign up for night classes outside our regular schedules.
Out of 2,000 members, Shea says there were only 35 women when she first joined. Four years later, that number has climbed to nearly 60 and “we’re continuing to be a growing force in the trades,” she said. Still, it’s nice to lean on other women in the industry.
“I’m still very involved with Chicago Women in Trades. We have a monthly happy hour where we get together, check in on each other and enjoy the company of others who’ve been in the same shoes,” Shea said. “It can be isolating being a woman on the job, so it’s really important to me to have that community.”