2008 Woodie Awards
Women break ground in trades
Face of male-dominated fields starting process of change.
Ricklyn Hukriede
Issue date: 6/26/08 Section: News
Women have broken many barriers throughout history and they are continuing to set the precedent in the male-dominated arena of the labor work force.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor women comprise 25 percent of the labor force in traditionally male-dominated occupations such as construction and building workers, railroad conductors and machinists.
LBCC Dean of Trades Farley Herzek said, "Trying to get women in trade programs is very difficult because many people have a social perception as it being man's work."
Women In Nontraditional Employment Roles is a nonprofit economic development agency that has partnered to help women in trade programs at LBCC. Women in nontraditional employment roles has served Southern California since 1986 and also teams up with employers, unions and apprenticeship programs.
LBCC offers 13 trade programs with a small amount of women in each course.
Also known as the "queen of sheet metal," Alanna Cummings is a student at LBCC pursuing a career in nontraditional employment for women.
A single mother of two, Cummings recalled June 19, 2006 as a special date. While smiling, she said, "It was the first day of summer school and after my first class in sheet metal, I was hooked on it."
Now the president of the Sheet Metal Club at PCC, Cummings said, "I am really excited about the opportunities that are available after I earn my certificate in sheet metal and associate's of science degree. It will allow me to have a 9 to 5 job with benefits so I can be with my kids."
Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, pensions and free education. Some jobs offer a 25-years-and-out plan, meaning after working 25 years, employees can retire.
Cummings recently received a $2,500 scholarship for her sheet metal work from the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. Her application included a video that she posted on YouTube called "Metal Creations" displaying some of her handiwork.
Through the women's program, Cummings has earned an apprenticeship and after five years of training, she will qualify for a position as a master craftsperson, earning up to $40 per hour.
Cummings' 9-year-old daughter asked her mother why she liked to do a man's work and she replied, "Honey, it's money work, not man's work."
Herzek said, "Alanna is one of our outstanding students at PCC."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor women comprise 25 percent of the labor force in traditionally male-dominated occupations such as construction and building workers, railroad conductors and machinists.
LBCC Dean of Trades Farley Herzek said, "Trying to get women in trade programs is very difficult because many people have a social perception as it being man's work."
Women In Nontraditional Employment Roles is a nonprofit economic development agency that has partnered to help women in trade programs at LBCC. Women in nontraditional employment roles has served Southern California since 1986 and also teams up with employers, unions and apprenticeship programs.
LBCC offers 13 trade programs with a small amount of women in each course.
Also known as the "queen of sheet metal," Alanna Cummings is a student at LBCC pursuing a career in nontraditional employment for women.
A single mother of two, Cummings recalled June 19, 2006 as a special date. While smiling, she said, "It was the first day of summer school and after my first class in sheet metal, I was hooked on it."
Now the president of the Sheet Metal Club at PCC, Cummings said, "I am really excited about the opportunities that are available after I earn my certificate in sheet metal and associate's of science degree. It will allow me to have a 9 to 5 job with benefits so I can be with my kids."
Benefits include medical, dental, retirement plans, pensions and free education. Some jobs offer a 25-years-and-out plan, meaning after working 25 years, employees can retire.
Cummings recently received a $2,500 scholarship for her sheet metal work from the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. Her application included a video that she posted on YouTube called "Metal Creations" displaying some of her handiwork.
Through the women's program, Cummings has earned an apprenticeship and after five years of training, she will qualify for a position as a master craftsperson, earning up to $40 per hour.
Cummings' 9-year-old daughter asked her mother why she liked to do a man's work and she replied, "Honey, it's money work, not man's work."
Herzek said, "Alanna is one of our outstanding students at PCC."
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