Local 6, chartered in Boston, Mass., attended the second successful Massachusetts Girls in Trades Conference and Career Fair in March. The event was hosted by Massachusetts Girls in Trades Advisory Board and was held at IBEW Local 103.
The program is to introduce high school girls, as well as their Career Counselors and Educators, to the trades. This event was attended by more than 350 students and over 50 educators from 22 area high schools.
Along with Local 6 Training Director Richard “Dude” Rothwell, three women apprentices, Lisa Denbesten, Sheilann Willams and Leandra Ellis, attended the career fair. Rothwell brings the women of Local 6, when he can, to help the high school girls relate to the trade. “It works out well because these high school kids don’t want to talk to an old guy like me, being able to talk to our apprentices, and women at that, benefits the outreach our Local can accomplish.”
“This is the second year we attended and both years it has been a huge turnout” Rothwell stated. He went on to say “I was able to talk to the Career Counselors and Educators and introduce them to the Insulators’ trade and the work that we do.”
One of the benefits Rothwell finds from getting in front of counselors and being able to explain mechanical insulation is the ability to engage with them and create a relationship. Rothwell anticipates scheduling several presentations and tours from this career fair.
It is through outreach, career fairs, and community engagement that Locals across North America continue grow their membership.
