Do you want a career that empowers women? You have options. Find out if a non-traditional career is right for you by taking this quiz.
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Step 1: Watch videos to see what tradeswomen do at work!
Step 2: Talk to a caring adult at school or in your community and ask them to help with Step 3.
Step 3: Go deeper in your chosen career and get connected.
Explore The Union Building Trades
Construction Careers
Find out more about construction careers and how to prepare yourself
Explore Manufacturing Careers
Choosing your Manufacturing Career
Find out more information about what you could earn and what you need to learn
Career and technical education
School District of Philadelphia Career and Technical Education
Get Experience! Volunteer!
MyWIC
MyWIC is a free, six-day summer camp that introduces 7th through 12th grade girls to construction careers
Habitat For Humanity
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity for home construction and repair projects
Rebuilding Together Philadelphia
Volunteer with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia to participate in neighborhood building projects
Read Inspiring stories of women who dared to be different
I grew up with the perception that smart people went to college and the trades were for dummies. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I know real geniuses who are pipefitters. There is a place for everyone in the trades. A college education is not necessary, but the smarter and better educated you are, the farther you’ll go.
Anne Kahle, Pipefitter 
When I first began my apprenticeship, I found out I was pregnant. This is now my fourth year in the trades and the benefits and money coming in really help because now I’m a single mother. I have pride in what I do and I hope that eventually my son will say “yeah, my mom does that” and have pride in me as well. Nothing is impossible with the right motivation and determinations.
Tamara McCoullough, Sheet Metal Worker 
I like being outside and working with my hands, and if I feel good doing it, then why should I be limited if I’m a woman? Why shouldn’t I be making the big bucks, having health insurance, and double pension and annuity with the union? Why should I stay making $12 an hour doing something I’m not really happy at when I want a well-paying career that offers me a good future?
Vanessa Casillas, Bricklayer 
As a woman in the manufacturing industry, I am inspired by other women leading the way, whether working as a team to put products together or to get the product shipped to the customer.
Stephanie Cortes, Electromechanical and Cable Assembler 
I grew up with the perception that smart people went to college and the trades were for dummies. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I know real geniuses who are pipefitters. There is a place for everyone in the trades. A college education is not necessary, but the smarter and better educated you are, the farther you’ll go.
Anne Kahle, Pipefitter 
I grew up with the perception that smart people went to college and the trades were for dummies. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I know real geniuses who are pipefitters. There is a place for everyone in the trades. A college education is not necessary, but the smarter and better educated you are, the farther you’ll go.
Anne Kahle, Pipefitter
