A new, free workforce development program is coming to Stephens College in April. The Women in Trades program looks to bridge the current gap of women in high-earning trades, such as carpentry, transportation and construction.

As Stephens College’s website states, “Fewer than 15% of skilled workers in high-demand trades are women.”

The program was announced Monday, March 11, and will include childcare, free PPE and other necessary work materials, a stipend, transportation to and from job sites, and immersive and hands-on learning with all-women job sites to make for a “comfortable transition.” These benefits look to counteract barriers typically in place for women looking to join trade industries. This pre-apprenticeship program looks to help transition students to the Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program.

For more information on the Stephens College program, visit their webpage.