According to The Tampa Tribune, Women Building Futures is a new program that highlights skilled construction trades. The construction industry in Florida is both among the hottest in the country while also being among the most heavily impacted by the skilled labor shortage being felt across the U.S.
WBF is working to allow women to fill that gap.
The eight-week program costs $65 per week and introduces women to careers in carpentry, plumbing, painting, flooring installation and construction drawings. All the while, the program offers its training with a flexible schedule, allowing these women to continue clocking in at their current jobs.
Once they have finished the program, they can decide to enter into a four-year apprenticeship through Associated Builders and Contractors, and Hillsborough Community College in order to become certified in a number of different trades.
Twenty-five year old Kayla Gorman left her low-paying retail job for the program and since completing her training, has taken a job with the women’s center’s Senior Home Improvement Program which repairs homes for low-income seniors. She hopes to sign up for an apprenticeship as a carpenter or electrician.
“Why would you not want to?” Gorman said. “You can just delve into it, work with your hands and make a lot better money.”
