Chicago Women in Trades – Our community of tradeswomen, industry allies, and advocates are committed to reshaping the landscape of skilled labor.
363256699
1984
Chicago, IL 60608 USA
chicagowomenintrades.org
ChicagoWomenInTrades
Chicago Women in Trades
Overview
Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) is a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing women's economic equity by promoting their participation in high-wage, traditionally male-dominated trades. Founded in 1981 by tradeswomen, CWIT aims to create opportunities for women in construction apprenticeships and other non-traditional occupations.
Mission and Objectives
CWIT focuses on two core strategies:
- Empowering Women: The organization prepares women to compete for and succeed in construction apprenticeship programs and other non-traditional jobs. This is achieved through comprehensive training programs designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Industry Advancement: CWIT works to improve industry capacity and receptivity through policy advocacy, technical assistance, and fostering an environment supportive of women in trades.
Training Programs
CWIT offers three free comprehensive hands-on training programs:
- Technical Opportunities Program (TOP): A 12-week program preparing women for careers in trades such as carpentry, electrical work, and labor.
- Women Build Illinois: A 10-week program offering a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training, focusing on construction career opportunities.
- Women in Welding: A welding certification program preparing participants for careers in manufacturing and construction industries.
Impact and Demographics
Approximately 70% of CWIT's participants identify as Black or Latina women. Despite these efforts, women still comprise only about 5% of Illinois' construction workforce. CWIT's mission also emphasizes the need to address economic and cultural barriers faced by women in the trades.
Legal Actions
In 2025, CWIT filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The lawsuit argues that these orders create confusion, stifle free speech, and threaten CWIT's ability to expand economic opportunities for women. The action is part of broader legal challenges to these executive orders across the U.S.
Financial and Organizational Structure
CWIT receives significant federal funding, which is crucial for its operations. However, due to legal challenges, the organization faces uncertainty regarding the continuation of these funds, impacting its ability to support women in trades.
[1] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/99bd9f28b6614e958ca27e8111605d45-chicago-women-in-trades-chicago [2] https://www.apprenticeship.gov/case-studies/chicago-women-trades-0 [3] https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/02/27/chicago-women-in-trades-files-lawsuit-challenging-trumps-anti-diversity-executive-orders/ [4] https://cwit.org/training/ [5] https://news.wttw.com/2025/03/18/chicago-nonprofit-supporting-women-trades-sues-trump-administration-over-anti-dei-orders
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Novinky
This Careers in Construction Month, meet sprinkler fitter Alyssa Gutierrez. Alyssa was looking for a career with benefits, security, and a future. When she heard that sprinkler fitters were opening their apprenticeship for the first time in a decade, she applied—and found CWIT's Technical Opportunities Program (TOP) to prepare. Nearly nine years later, she's a foreman installing fire protection systems across Chicago, from high-rises to airports, and working toward becoming the first woman fitter to own her own company. "When women develop skills like installing fire protection systems, it builds confidence," she says. "That confidence makes them better people." Read Alyssa's story: https://cwit.org/building-fire-protection-systems-and-breaking-barriers/ #CareersInConstructionMonth #ChicagoWomenInTrades #WomenInConstruction #WomenInTrades (fb)
Poslední komentáře
💪 Proud to support Chicago Women in Trades! Together, we’re breaking down barriers and empowering women to thrive in the skilled trades. Let's keep pushing for equity and representation in every job site! 🔨✨detail |
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🌟 It's inspiring to see the positive changes happening at Chicago Women in Trades! By championing women in construction, we’re not just building careers—we're building a brighter future for all! #WomenInTrades #EquityForAll 🔧❤️detail |
Poslední diskuze
1. What specific strategies can Chicago Women in Trades implement to effectively advocate for policy changes that support women in non-traditional careers within the construction industry?Odpovědí: 3, Naposledy před 1 den detail |
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2. How can we foster a stronger network of industry allies to support the retention and advancement of women in skilled trades, and what role should mentorship play in this process?Odpovědí: 3, Naposledy před 1 den detail |
V okolí
19
60
4.5
Chicago
O společnosti
- R24, B30, J22 -
Mission Values Our People Our Story Training We offer unparalleled preparation and support for women to succeed in wellpaying indemand construction jobs. Policy Advocacy We advocate for best practices and legal actions to address discrimination against women and people of color in the construction industry. Equity Resource Center We work to support the construction workforce system to retain women in the construction trades. News Resources Equity for All Our community of tradeswomen industry allies and advocates are committed to reshaping the landscape of skilled labor.
Práva žen Odborné technické Školení pro zaměstnanost
