This initiative began with a research study that illuminated the unique ways women can be supported as they pursue careers in construction trades. The result was a program geared specifically toward women, designed to encourage and empower them as they prepare to enter a largely male-dominated field.
Currently offered in Fresno, with expansion planned to the 14-county region, the NOW Program prepares women for high-paying and stable careers in the building and construction trades. The purpose of the program is to provide skilled training to unemployed, underemployed, and barriered women in the construction sector.
The NOW Program is supported in partnership with Trades Women, Inc (TWI). TWI is a Bay Area non-profit organization that was established in 1979, with the mission of increasing the number of women working in the building trades and ensuring that they can thrive in their construction careers. TWI provides mentoring, support, and education to women interested in become skilled in the trades. They provide specialized workshops to the NOW program that focus on construction culture, leadership, and career development for our students.
In partnership with local area Workforce Development Boards, participants receive assistance with vocational training, resume development, job searching, and job placement, all provided by Workforce Connection.
The Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) – the fiscal agent for the state-funded ValleyBuild program – commissioned a research study to better identify obstacles, real and perceived, that may deter women from entering the training program and the trades. The goal is to improve inclusion of women in the trades and the training program by understanding and addressing barriers or challenges to their participation.
