No Women Allowed?
Old habits die hard?!
I took this picture this morning on my way back to work from a medical appointment. I had driven by this sign before, but it had never really caught my eye. Until today. I have to give the benefit of the doubt and assume there was no ill intent in the way this sign was worded. I assume (and hope) there's no real discrimination in their hiring practices. But, doesn't this just seem egregious in 2023?
Coming again in March, the annual "Women in the Trades Day" events at Rosedale Technical College are a wonderful opportunity for nontraditional students to explore a career path in any one of the 8 skilled trades we offer. (more info here: https://rosedaletech.edu/events/)
I'm so proud that we have consistently and intentionally grown the female population of our student body. From as low as 2% in the past, we're now around 11% female participation. Compare that to the US Census data that shows only about 3 or 4% of people working nationwide in the skilled trades we offer are currently female. And we continue to nurture this diversity.
Years ago, we founded a student organization called the "Rosedale Riveters" to help our nontraditional students create a strong peer network on campus. It's a lunch and learn series designed to share experiences, develop friendships, and learn from women in industry. The funny thing is, early on we asked our Riveters what we could do to help them succeed in their studies and career path. But they turned it around and asked how they could help us recruit more students like themselves! Our students are great ambassadors in welcoming new and prospective students, and they will again be a key part of the program for our Women in the Trades Day events.
I once asked one of our nontraditional students, "why did you choose to enroll here?" The answer was, "I saw another girl already here." So, we come back to Newton's First Law that states, a body in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. Momentum. Once you get the ball rolling, the ball will tend to keep rolling. Such it is with our diversity efforts, and I couldn't be happier!
Instead of "Maintenance Man Wanted", how about "Maintenance Tech Wanted" or "Maintenance Help Wanted"? Let's all do better.
#womenintrades #allaboutthetrades #jobs #pride #power
Thanks Dennis - crucial call out. The best person for the job is just that. Leaders helping other leaders see the missteps being made. We can fix this.
RED Day Communications | Shaping Culture & Strengthening Leaders Keynote Speaker * Trainer * Coach
2 年Thank you Dennis Wilke! From a woman who has worked in non-traditional roles practically my whole career, I say, well said sir!