"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent." - Madeleine Albright

"Women are always saying, 'We can do anything that men can do.' But men should be saying, 'We can do anything that women can do.'" - Gloria Steinem

"A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman."- Melinda Gates

"We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead." - Beyoncé

The Annual Construction Trades Convention: Women at Work

This year was the first year of the Annual Construction Trades Convention: Women at Work. Rockford Housing Authority and Project First Rate are pleased with the number of attendees and local businesses participating in such a fantastic resource. Here is a highlight of some of the topics that were covered in the convention:

Discussed how the attendees can become financially independent through rewarding careers in the union construction industry, including how to join registered apprenticeship programs.
The participants heard stories and experiences from women in the trades as well as entrepreneurs from the construction industry
In addition, the convention attendees learned about the local programs and resources available to help them prepare to apply for apprenticeship programs.
Attendees gained insight about the national movement of tradeswomen gaining ground in the industry

The Construction Trade Convention: Women at Work was an opportunity to learn from women in the trades such as construction, painting, and electricians. This was an opportunity to explore the Apprentice Trainee Positions available. The trades industry is a male-dominated career, but many women still work and love these jobs. Rockford Housing Authority and Project First Rate are excited for our convention next year.