The Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Office of Workforce, Supplier and Diversity Development was thrilled to meet with 120 young women who attended the MA Girls in Trades event on January 19, 2018 at Springfield Technical Community College.

The event, sponsored by MGM Springfield, is coordinated through a partnership between local educational and governmental organizations, as well as trades unions and contractors.

Many of the girls in attendance came from trades programs at schools such as Dean Technical and Putnam Vocational Technical High School, and other local middle schools and high schools. Others were simply there to explore a potential interest in such schools, or apprenticeships.  Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who attributed some of his success to his own experience in the trades as part of a flooring crew, thanked MGM Springfield for “continuing to invest in human capital in Massachusetts”.

Other speakers included Deputy Chief of Staff for the MA Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Jessica Muradian and the President of Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Sue Mailman. Both spoke of women in the industry as trailblazers and commended the Baker Administration for prioritizing  the diversification of the Commonwealth’s workforce. Mailman highlighted the immense opportunity available in Massachusetts specifically, noting the availability of apprenticeships and the many large-scale construction projects occurring across the state.

“Construction is the 8^th largest industry in the state, and is growing,” said Muradian. She told the girls that just 5% of the industry was female, encouraging them to join the ranks and break down barriers.

To further inspire the girls, a panel of seven women from various trades unions shared how they ended up in their trade, their experiences and the impact that the work has had in their lives. From the camaraderie they experience at work sites, to confidence building and the financial impacts (many mentioned owning their own homes or paying for cars outright,) the resounding theme was that a career in trades was a path to success.

The girls then had the opportunity to network with industry members during a Career Fair. Exhibitors, including many of the state’s largest construction firms, answered questions about their industry or organization and explained opportunities available to the girls. Tishman, Suffolk Construction, MGM Springfield, and Wynn Boston Harbor were among the 34 tables available as a resource for girls to learn about opportunities in the trades.

The event concluded with a presentation about the recently launched “Build A Life That Works” campaign. Funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and its licensees with contributions from several state agencies, labor organizations, and municipalities, this new statewide initiative aims to increase tradeswomen in the building trades to 20% by 2020. Women interested in a career in the trades are encouraged to learn more about the campaign at BuildALifeMA.org.