Recently, liaison Andrea DuFlon caught up with Oregon Tradeswomen to learn about what they’re up to and what’s coming up on their calendar. She reported the following:

OTW is doing amazing work on a shoestring budget, with bare-bones staffing. For them, a big challenge is keeping their training current with the changing trends in the trades industry. They have a classroom, as well as small office spaces and a very large shop where all the hands-on training in the various trades takes place. In addition, they provide job counseling, career placement information, and support services. I was excited to see the amount of support they receive from various companies and organizations. KEEN, for example, provides work boots and steel-toed boots for every student at no cost. Many of the tools that students are given, such as hard hats and tool belts, have been donated.

OTW's Pathways To Success program offers a 192-hour (8-week) Trades and Career Class (TACC) 4 times a year. This is the mainstay of their work, preparing adult job seekers for a career in the construction trades. Not only does this program provide hands-on training in the various trades, but it also offers training and support in developing leadership skills for union work, as well as workplace attitudes and demeanor. It is an Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries-certified program, so it provides a pipeline to many paid internship programs in the trades. Students are paid a $15/hour wage equivalency, a milestone achievement put in place by their recently retired Executive Director, which opens the door to many women who wouldn't otherwise be able to participate in such a program. They also offer a RISE Up training with studies in the areas of respect, inclusion, safety, and equity, providing students with the tools they need as women to manage workplace issues.

OTW was a good choice for 99 Girlfriends. It's amazing how they can stretch a dollar, make connections in the community, and do the hard work to get what they need. Thanks to their innovative training program, they have made real changes in the makeup of Oregon's workforce. It feels so good to be a part of that.“ – Andrea DuFlon, Girlfriend and Liaison

OTW's upcoming events are:

Oregon Tradeswomen Annual Career Fair – May 17 and 18, 2024
Build With Us – September 2024, bringing together tradeswomen and industry to increase connection, and to celebrate equity, inclusion and innovation; an annual fundraising event for OTW.