Amazingly, contractors let this situation fester despite the industry's worsening difficulties in attracting and retaining craftworkers. Too many contractors still reach past more capable women to hire men, allow (or encourage) veteran tradeswomen to leave the industry and ignore situations of discrimination, harassment and hostility.
CLOSED DOORS. I began my electrical apprenticeship in 1978 when President Carter signed executive orders establishing guidelines for women to enter craft apprenticeships. Mistakenly, I expected gates to swing wide open as women demonstrated their interest and abilities in construction. As I looked for a fuller picture, I decided to interview women from across the U.S. who had become carpenters, painters, ironworkers, plumbers and electricians during that hopeful time.