Women in Carpentry Apprenticeship: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper examines barriers to women's participation in the construction trades using a case study of a carpentry apprenticeship program. It finds that women, though they continue to face obstacles to working in the trade, remain determined to participate. It also suggests that though external efforts to open the trade to women have met with resistance, attempts to upgrade apprenticeship training and attract qualified applicants may inadvertently help ease the way for women to enter the trade. The paper concludes with speculation about the value to the union of welcoming qualified and determined women apprentices.