A favorite part of my job is building and sustaining partnerships. I can’t remember how many years ago I was first introduced to Oregon Tradeswomen. In the years since I have appreciated working together whether around strategic planning, collaborating on grants and campaigns, or sharing education and training. More recently this has included talking and planning around the Total Worker Health® Approach and the Safe from Hate campaign. If you are unfamiliar with Oregon Tradeswomen, their mission statement tells us a lot and is highly relevant to today’s conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, and workforce development
“Oregon Tradeswomen helps transform lives by building community and economic independence through empowerment, training, career education, advocacy, and leadership development in the skilled trades. Oregon Tradeswomen’s commitment to help women achieve economic independence is integrated in our values, programs, advocacy, and direct service work.
Our work puts women on a path to economic independence. Our work helps change lives.”
My favorite part of my work with Oregon Tradeswomen is having participated for many years on their Oregon Tradeswomen’s Career Fair Steering Committee and participating along with other O[yes] members at the fair.
This week I had the opportunity to visit their office, a newer space since just prior to the pandemic. As I caught up with staff I learned about some upcoming events and initiatives that illustrates some of the important things the organization is involved in. I thank the staff for not only giving me a tour of this newer building, but sharing the video below so you too can learn about it.
Upcoming Events
2022 Build With Us! Blue-Collar Gala and Industry Awards
September 23, 2022, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Loft at 8th Avenue, 2010 SE 8th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97214
Join Oregon Tradeswomen at the 2022 Build With Us! Blue-Collar Gala and Industry Awards to celebrate strength, resilience, and the inspiring stories of tradeswomen in our region. Learn more: save a seat, donate to silent auction or become a sponsor.
Spring 2023 Tradeswoman Career Fair
The absence of the fair during the pandemic was missed by many. I can’t wait to attend it again next spring and participate in a workshop!
“Oregon Tradeswomen’s Annual Career Fair is an interactive, trades-related Career Event highlighting apprenticeship and debt-free career options for lucrative careers in the skilled construction trades. It is one of the most exciting and engaging career fairs in our region dedicated to the construction industry!
Oregon Tradeswomen’s Career Fair connects thousands of students and job seekers to the wide variety of exciting careers in the skilled construction trades and supports local industry and businesses find qualified, skilled workers.
While focused on presenting these career options to female-identified job seekers, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Career Fair is open to everyone! Most workshops are managed by tradeswomen, demonstrating the power and potential of a truly diverse workforce.”
But don’t listen to me! Here’s a couple of stories from tradeswomen whose careers and lives have directly benefited from Oregon Tradeswomen and other organizations improving entry into good jobs.
I thank all of our partners in the trades, including those representing apprentice and pre-apprentice programs, labor, private and public employers, and my good friends at Oregon Tradeswomen.
