SUPPORTING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION of Labor published a toolkit for creating and implementing gender equity strategies in workforce development , outlining vital outreach , recruitment , hiring and retention steps .
A handful of states and localities are also beginning to take important measures toward greater gender equity :
California ’ s Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship ( ERiCA ) Grants recognize that the time and cost required to provide childcare often prohibits parents , especially women , from pursuing careers in construction . Since women still bear the brunt of responsibility for childcare , these grants – of up to $ 5,000 for eligible pre-apprenticeship program participants and up to $ 10,000 for eligible apprenticeship program participants – offer an essential source of support to allow qualifying individuals to participate in preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs which might otherwise be out of reach .
Building upon two earlier agreements – one adopted in 2012 by the East County Hall of Justice and the other in 2013 by the County Board of Supervisors , Building and Construction Trades Council , and affiliated unions - Alameda County legislators , union representatives and community organizations worked together to create and adopt the 2020 Countywide Project Stabilization Community Benefits Agreement ( PS / CBA ). applies to projects valued at $ 3 million or more . With a primary goal of minimizing labor disputes and related project delays , the agreement also attempts to ensure that county residents provide a minimum of 40 % of all work hours on qualifying County construction projects , thereby increasing employment opportunities for local community members . Other important provisions were for workers on County projects to receive health insurance benefits ; for all workers , regardless of gender , to receive collectively bargained wages ; and for 40 % of first and second-year apprentice hours to be for Disadvantaged Resident apprentices – a designation specifically including women . In conjunction with the County ’ s existing Small Local Emerging Business ( SLEB ) and Enhanced Construction Outreach Program ( ECOP ), which are designed for business enterprises and entrepreneurs , the PS / CBA ’ s updated goals equate to more training , apprenticeship and employment opportunities for women in construction .
Rising Sun Center for Opportunity ’ s Opportunity Build and Women Building the Bay ( profiled in more depth in this issue ), as well as similar local pre-apprenticeship training programs and the Contractor Technical Assistance Program ( CTAP ), offer individualized support and help connect women ( and others aspiring to enter the trades ) with all available resources to successfully attain their construction career goals .
The 2020 Alameda County PS / CBA covers all County projects valued at $ 1 million or more , with exception of the Alameda County Public Works Agency , for which the agreement
FIRST QUARTER 2024 CTAP CONTRACTOR REPORT - 05