DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 354 414 CE G63 164

AUTHOR Patterson, PaulaTITLE Women in Apprenticeships: Steps to Building a

Career.INSTITUTION Connecticut Permanent Commission on the Status of

Women.SPONS AGENCY Connecticut State Dept. of Education, Middletown.

Div. of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education.;Connecticut State Dept. of Labor, Wethersfield.

PUB DATE Jun 89NOTE 23p.

PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Use Instructional Materials (ForLearner) (051)

EDRS PRICE MFO1 /PCO1 Plus Postage.DESCRIPTORS *Apprenticeships; *Females; Guidelines;

*Nontraditional Education; *NontraditionalOccupations; *Occupational Information; PostsecondaryEducation; Womens Education

ABSTRACTThis handbook provides a brief overview of

apprenticeship and explains how women can find and participate in anapprenticeship program. Topics covered include the following:definition of an apprenticeship, trades that are apprenticeable, whyand how to apply, how to choose a traae, requirements for anapprenticeship, supportive services, job discrimination, and sexualharassment. The guide also provides an action checklist, a list ofJob Service offices in Connecticut, a list of the state'svocational-technical schools, and seven references. (KC)

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Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be madefrom the original document.

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(I(CENTER (ERIC)

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In HI -!, I

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is an Apprenticeship 2

3

4

5

7

9

11

12

14

16

16

18

20

21

Trades that are Apprenticeable

Why apply

How to Choose a Trade

How to apply

Requirements

Supportive Services

Job Discrimination

Sexual Harassment

Action Checklist

Job Service Offices

Vocational Technical Schools

References

Credits

June 1989

1-Li

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WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is a program that allowsyou to learn a skilled craft or trade byvrovidinv on the job training and classroominstruction. As an apprentice, a worker hasthe opportunity to earn wages while shelearns skills in a supervised work situation.Apprenticeships are sponsored by trade unionssuch as the carpenters, electricians andbricklayers, as well as by private employers.

An apprentice works under the supervision ofa skilled worker called a journeyperson.Apprentices must take several hours ofclassroom instruction each week. The classesare usually held in the evenings at avocational technical high school forapprentices in the construction and servicetrades. For the machine tool trades, classesare conducted during the day and the employerpays the apprentice her hourly wage for thetime spent in class. The classes teach thetechnical aspects of a trade, such asdrafting and blueprint reading. Aftercompleting both the on the job training andthe classroom instruction, the apprenticereceives a certificate which gives herjourneyperson status. The entire trainingprogram usually lasts from 2 to 4 years,epending upon the trade.

Starting pay for an apprentice is generallyabout 50% of a journeyperson's going wage.Every six months, an apprentice will receivea raise until she is earning ajourneyperson's wage at the completion of hertraining.

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WHICH TRADES ARE APPRENTICEABLE?

There are approximately 400 apprenticeabletrades listed by the State Labor Department.Here are some examples:

Aircraft MechanicAppliance ServicerAuto Body MechanicAuto MechanicBakerBindery WorkerBoilermakerBricklayerCabinetmakerCarpenterClockmakerComercial PhotographerDental TechnicianDiemakerDrafterElectricianElectronic TechnicianFoundry WorkerGraphics Arts TechnicianGrinder

Offset PressOeprator

PainterPatternmakerPlumbingMechanic

RefrigerationMechanic

RooferScrew Mechanic

OperatorSheet MetalWorker

Sprinkler FitterStructural SteelErector

SurveyorTelephone

ServicesInstaller

Heating & Cooling Mechanic Tool & Die MakerHeavy Equipment Mechanic UpholstererIronmaker WelderMachinist WoodworkerMillwrightMotorcycle Mechanic

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WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is a unique opportunityfor you to earn a living while learning askilled trade. You are actually beingpaid to learn.

The journeyperson's status that you achieveat the end of your apprenticeship is awidely respected credential that adds toyour ability to secure a good job.

Learning a skilled trade gives you a chanceto see the results of your labor and takepride in the finished work. Women do notoften get this sense of accomplishment fromtraditional jobs.

Women who work in the trades have anopportunity to earn good wages. Workingwomen earn on the average 65% of whatworkilig men earn. This is because of theclustering of women into jobs that aregenerally low paying, such as sales,service and factory work. In July of 1988,in CT, the median hourly wage for anexperienced word processor was $9.43, foran experienced file clerk $6.10, and for anexperienced typist $7.52. During the sameperiod, carpenters earned a median hourlywage of $13.20. Electricians earned $14.50and motor vehicle mechanics earned $13.20.Although apprentices generally earn abeginning hourly wage in the range of$6-$8, they have the opportunity to earnmuch higher wages by the time they reachjourneyperson status. Entering anapprenticeship may be a way to improve youreconomic status.

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WHICH TRADE DO I CHOOSE?

Choosing a trade should result frommatching your interests and abilities withjob requirements and work conditions. Do

you have organizational skills, good manualdexterity, or attention to detail? Howabout ability to follow instructions and aneye for accuracy? Think of the tasks thatyou have performed in past jobs, at school,or in managing a home and family. Try totransfer these skills to a work settinglike you would find in one of the trades,

Go to your school or public library andlook at the Occupational Outlook Handbook.This book contains job titles, nature ofthe work, job duties, tools, trainingrequirements, salary range and employmentoutlook for most jobs. Find out what kindsof jobs are available, which skills areinvolved, what the working conditions arelike, the physical requirements, etc.

Narrow your choices down to a couple ofoptions. Try to get as much exposure aspossible to the trades in which you areinterested. You should:

. Talk to other people, especiallywomen, who work in a trade. Ask themwhat they do each day, what they likeand dislike about their work.

. If you can get the opportunity, followsomeone around on the work site for aday so you can observe first hand whata typical day is like.

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. Take a course in a related field atyour local adult education center orvocational technical school. To becomefamiliar with tools and basicoperations, find courses ormini-courses in subjects such aswoodworking, drafting, house building,furniture repair, blueprint readingand solar heating. If you aren't ableto enroll in a course, sit in on aclass at a vocational technical schooland observe the work that is beingdone. Call the Employment andEducation Hotline at 1-800-842-0229 or566-8118 in Hartford to getinformation on classes in your area.

Then think about specific workingconditions like:

. Do you prefer to work inside oroutside?

. Do you prefer to work alone or on ateam?

. Would you mind working in a cramped ordirty environment?

. Are you afraid of heights?

. Do you mind physically demanding work?

. Do you mind working in a setting thatis mostly male?

L.)

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HOW DO I APPLY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

After you have selected one or two of thetrades, you must contact:

The Connecticut Labor DepartmentOffice of Job Training and Skill

Development200 Folly Brook BoulevardWethersfield, Ct 06109566-2450

Tell them that you would like to apply for

an apprenticeship and need an applicationform sent to vou. Complete this form andreturn it to the above address, at whichtime you will be placed in an applicant"pool". When an apprenticeshipopportunity opens in the trade(s) andgeographical area(s) you specified on theapplication form, you will be notified bymail. You will then be instructed to

apply to the union or private employerthat is offering the a prenticeShi0.Theapplication procedure for a unionapprenticeship will include an aptitudetest and an interview with a committee ofunion and management representatives. For

employer sponsored apprenticeships, theapplication process varies from company to

company. If taking tests worries you,your local adult education center mayoffer some math or English refreshercourses which might help you feel morecomfortable. Call the Education andEmployment Hotline at 1-800-842-0229 or566-8118(in Hartford) to get the numberfor the adult education center in yourarea.

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Next, go to your local Connecticut JobService Office and meet with the staffperson assigned to handle apprenticeships.A list of the Job Service Offices isincluded at the end of this booklet. Youwill be instructed to complete anotherapplication form and possibly take ageneral aptitude test. If the Job ServiceOffice has any apprenticeship openingslisted for the trade(s) in which you areinterested, you will be notified by mail.

Don't wait for a job to come to you. Beresourceful and go out and knock on doors.Find out which employers in your areaperform work in your trade interest. Tellthem that you are seeking anapprenticeship.

Competition for apprenticeships is keen sogetting into an apprenticeship can take along time. Be patient but continue to doyour own job search. Make sure yourapplication stays active. If you havequestions about your status, call theLabor Department Office of Job Training andSkill Development at 566-2450.

WHEN DO I APPLY?

A prenticeshi openings may occur at anytime. The timing is influenced by theparticular trade, weather conditions, thepace of the economy, retirements ofjourneypersons, and numbers of completedapprenticeships. Some unions have openenrollment all year round while others haveapplication periods for only a short timein the spring. When you receive a noticeof an apprenticeship opening from theConnecticut Labor Department, make sure youfollow the application deadlines stated.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ANAPPRENTICESHIP?

A hi h school diploma or GED ma berequire , especia y y union sponsoredapprenticeships. Other sponsors may notrequire a diploma, so ask if one isnecessary when you apply. Union sponsoredprograms will ask you to obtain copies ofyour high school transcript. Call the highschool or CvD program that you attended andask them to send you a copy of thetranscript. You may want to do this assoon as possible so that you will have thedocuments on hand when they are needed.

A current driver's license is required towork in the construction trades because thework demands a frequent change of job site.Other trades, however, may not require one.Again, ask the particular sponsor.

Good physical condition is necessary tomeet t e physical demands of your trade,which may include lifting heavy materials,operating heavy tools and equipment,standing on your feet all day, or workingin adverse weather conditions. You canprepare for this beforehand by following anexercise program which can build up yourstrength and stamina. Call your local YWCAto find out what fitness programs theyoffer. Or check out some books on fitnessfrom your local library and develop yourown exercise program.

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Age requirements. The minimum age for anapprenticeship is usually 18 years of age.Some apprenticeships are flexible be beyondthe upper limit, apply anyway. Theapprenticeship sponsor will let you know ifyour age disqualifies you for thatparticular trade.

Adequate math background. Almost alltrades require basic math proficiency.Don't be intimidated or discouraged if itseems like a long time since you took highschool math and your skills are rusty.Call your local state technical college orvocational technical high school forinformation on their math improvementcourses for adults. Other technicalcourses are not necessary, but they mayimprove your chances of being selected foran apprenticeship.

Letters of recommendation. If you havecompleted any courses at a technical schoolor worked in a job related to the tradethat you have chosen, you may want toobtain letters of recommendation from yourteachers or employers. These may behelpful in the application process.

Transportation. Many employers requirethat you have access to a motor vehicle dueto frequent changes in worksite. Make surethat you know the transportation demands ofyour job before you make a commitment.

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Finally, make sure you have a realisticpicture of the job. An apprenticeship is a

major commitment of your time and energy.

The apprenticeship sponsor is also making a

long term investment in you. You will need

to be highly motivated to complete 2-4

years of on the job training and class room

instruction.

WHAT KINDS OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ARE THERE?

Child care. If you need assistance in

finding an appropriate day care setting

for your child, call the Infoline number

listed in your local telephone directory.

The Infoline staff will identify the day

care resources available in your area.

Vocational education.

. Community colleges, state vocationaltechnical high schools, statetechnical colleges, and communityorganizations offer a wide variety of

adult education courses. To find out

what is being offered in your area to

suit your needs, call the

. Education and Employment Hotline

1-800-842-0229or 566-8118 in the Hartford area

. Adults with a high school diploma or

GED may take day courses at the

vocational technical high schools for

free, providing there is room in the

Fri-s-ses. Call your local school and

ask for the adult education director.A list of state vocational technicalschools is included at the end of this

booklet.

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. If you are on public assistance, adisplaced homemaker, a high schooldrop-out, a teen parent, a dislocatedworker, or a person with limitedEnglish speaking ability, you may beeligible for education benefitsthrough the Job Training PartnershipAct (JTPA). Call the Education andEmployment Hotline listed above formore information.

Support groups. Some vocational technicalschools, unions and community groupssponsor support groups for tradeswomen tomeet and discuss workplace issues or otheritems of mutual interest. The PCSW alsohas a list of tradeswomen who are willingto talk with other women interested inentering the trades. These women mightprove to be a valuable resource inanswering any questions you might have. If

you are looking for a support group forwomen in the trades or for a role model,contact the

Permanent Commission onthe Status of Women (PCSW)90 Washington StreetHartford, CT 06106566-5702

Job discriminatio-. Any a prentice ora renticeshi a licant who believes thatII II II

s e as seen scriminate against maya complaint with the Connecticut Labor

e

Department. State and federal lawsprohibit an employer from discriminatingagainst you on the basis of race, color,religion, national origin, ancestry,physical handicap, marital status, or sex.

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Some examples of discrimination include:

. refusing to hire you because you are awoman

. refusing to provide you with adequatetraining because you are a woman

. paying you less wages than your malecounterparts who are doing the samejob, using equal skill, and havingequal responsibility

. denying adequate toilet facilities onthe worksite

. firing you because you are pregnant

Complaints should be filed with:

The Connecticut Labor DepartmentOffice of Job Training and SkillDevelopment

200 Folly Brook BoulevardWethersfield, CT 06109566-2450

The complaint must be in writing and musthave your signature. It must also includeyour name, address, and telephone number, theapprenticeship sponsor involved, and a briefdescription of the circumstances. The LaborDepartment will try to resolve the complaintinformally. If this is not possible, theLabor Department will refer the complaint tothe State Commission on Human Rights andOpportunities (CHRO).

You may file a complaint with the StateCommission on Human Rights and Opportunitieson your own behalf. Complaints must be filedwithin 180 days of the date of the act ofdiscrimination. Locations of the state CHROoffices are listed below.

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If you would like information or assistancein filing a discrimination complaint, contactthe Permanent Commission on the Status ofWomen, 566-5702.

Sexual harassment. Women who enter thetrades may face resistance from some oftheir male coworkers or supervisors. Somemen may believe stereotypes about women,such as "they aren't strong enough to do aman's job", or "they're afraid to getdirty". Other attitudes might include anunwillingness to let women enter what hasbeen traditionally a "man's world".Whatever the underlying beliefs, thisresistance may take the form of sexualharassment; that is, any attention of asexual nature which is ofTensive orintimidating. Remember, sexual harassmentis illegal and you have the right to workin an environment that is free from thisbehavior. You are the judge of what isunwanted and offensive behavior. Someexamples of sexual harassment include:

. demanding sexual favors in return fora job or a raise

. unwanted physical contact

. subjection to obscene jokes orpornographic material

. remarks about personal anatomy

If you are being sexually harassed, youshould do something about it. You shouldvoice your objections to the person who isharassing you -- tell them to stop and thatthe behavior is unwanted and offensive. Youshould make a verbal and written complaint to

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your supervisor or union steward (if you haveone) asking for intervention. However, ifyou feel unsafe doing this, or if theharassment continues, you should file acomplaint with the State Commission on HumanRights and Oppor unities. Complaints must befiled within 180 lays of the date of theincidents of harassment. Listed below arethe four regional offices which handle suchcomplaints.

Remember, the Permanent Commission on the

Status of Women(PCSW) can provide you withinformation or assist you in filing sexualharassment complaints. The address is:

90 Washington StreetHartford, CT 06106566-5702

REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMANRIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Capitol Region1229 Albany Ave.Hartford, CT 06112566-7710

Eastern Region100 Broadway,City HallNorwich, CT 06360886-5703

Southwest region1115 Main StBridgeport, CT06604579-6246

West Central Region50 Linden St.Waterbury, CT 06702754-2108

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ACTION

Have you:

contacted the Connecticut LaborDepartment Office of Job Training andSkill Development?

gone to your local Job ServiceOffice?

talked to employers in your area?

gotten your transcript from your highschool or GED program?

obtained a current driver's license?

started an exercise program toincrease your strength and stamina?

obtained letters of recommendationfrom teachers or employers?

called the Permanent Commission onthe Status of Women to put you intouch with tradeswomen who arewilling to serve as role models?

JOB SERVICE OFFICES,CONNECTICUT LABOR DEPARTMENT

Ansonia555 Main Street734-3367

Bridgeport1450 Barnum Ave.579-6262

Middletown170B Main Street344-2993

New Britain260 Lafayette Street827-7765

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Bristol New London281 North Main St. 94 Captain's Walk582-7421 443-8321

Danbury64 West St.797-4140

Danielson61 Westcott Road774-9379

Enfield620 Enfield St.623-9121

Norwalk731 West Avenue838-4104

Norwich6 Cliff Street889-5247

Stamford81 Atlantic Street

505

Hamden Torrington37 Marne St. Torrington Parkade789-7734 Winsted Road, 482-5583

Hartford90 Washington St.566-5771

Manchester806 Main St.649-4558

Waterbury83 Prospect Street755-3099

Willimantic8 Mountain Street423-2521

Meriden24 South Grove St.238-6110

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Vocational-Technical Schools

ANSONIAEMMETT O'BRIEN141 Prindle AvenueAnsonia 06401735-9461

BRIDGEPORTBULLARD-HAVENS500 Palisades AvenueBridgeport 06610579-6333

BRISTOLE.C. GOODWIN SATELLITE431 Minor StreetBristol 06010584-8433

DANBURYHENRY ABBOTTHaystown AvenueDanbury 06810797-4460

DANIELSONH.H. ELLISMaple StreetDanielson 06239774-8511

MANCHESTERHOWELL CHENEY791 W. Middle Tnpke.Manchester 06040649-5396

MERIDENH.C. WILCOXOregon RoadMeriden 06450238-6260

MIDDLETOWNVINAL60 Daniels StreetMiddletown 06457344-2930

MILFORDPLATT600 Orage AvenueMilford 06460877-2771

NEW BRITAINE.C. GOODWIN735 Slater RoadNew Britain 06053827-7736

ENFIELD NORWICHHOWELL CHENEY SATELLITE NORWICH170 Elm Street 590 New London TnpkeEnfield 06082 Norwich 06360745-1603 (623-9877) 889-8453

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ESSEXVINAL SATELLITEMiddlesex TurnpikeEssex 06426767-0181

GROTONETG/SOUTHEASTERN189 Fort Hill RoadGroton 06340448-0220

HAMDENELI WHITNEY71 Jones RoadHamden 06514397-4031

HARTFORDA.I. PRINCE500 Brookfield StreetHartford 06106246 -8594

STAMFORDJ.M. WRIGHTP.O. Box 1416Stamford 06904324-7363

TORRINGTONOLIVER WOLCOTT75 Oliver StreetTorrington 06790489-0261

WALLINGFORDH.C.WILCOX SATELLITEPond Hill RoadWallingford 06492265-0099

WATERBURYW.F. KAYNOR43 Tompkins StreetWaterbury 06708574-2307

WILLIMANTICWINDHAM210 Birch StreetWillimantic 06226423-4544

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REFERENCES

Apprenticeship in Connecticut, ConnecticutState Apprenticeship Equal EmploymentOpportunity Council and Connecticut LaborDepartment.

Connecticut Law Journal, April 13, 1982; Sec.46a. 68-10, Equal Employment Opportunities inApprenticeship and Training.

Earning a Breadwinner's Wage: NontraditionalJobs for Women on AFDC, Women's Enterprisesof Boston, World Guild, Cambridge, MA, 1978.

General Statutes of Connecticut, Revised toJanuary 1, 1989. Vol.9, Sec. 31-51a-51e.Employment Regulations.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S.Department of Labor, Bureau of LaborStatistics, 1988-89 edition.

Nontraditional Jobs for Women: A ResourceGuide for Connecticut Women and CareerCounselors; 3rd edition. PermanentCommission on the Status of Women, 1984.

State of Connecticut, Regulations ofCommission on Human Rights and Opportunities,Equal Employment Opportunity inApprenticeship and Training, Sec. 46a-68-1 to46a-68-6. March, 1985.

FOOTNOTES

1. "Area Wage Survey, Connecticut, July1988". U.S. Department of Labor andBureau of Labor Statistics; Summary,September, 1988.

..,

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CREDITS

Writer Paula PattersonCoordinator,Women &

Apprenticeships Project

Editor Catherine BlinderPublic Information Officer

Project Supervisor Janet KniffinSpecial Projects &Grants Coordinator

Executive Director Fredrica Gray

Production Assistants Barbara JohnsonAdministrative Assistant

Carmen DiazOffice Administrator

Thanks to Glenda Boyd and Jack Guerrera ofthe Connecticut Department of Labor, Officeof Job Training and Skill Development and toDiana Woolis of the Department of Education,Division of vocational, Technical and AdultEducation for their comments andrecommendations.

This booklet was produced by thestaff of the PermanentCommission on the Status ofWomen and funded by grants fromthe Connecticut Department ofLabor, Office of Job Trainingand Skill Development andthe Department of Education,Division of Vocational,Technical and Adult Education,Bureau of Employment andTraining, under Public law%98 -524.