NEST supports camp that teaches young girls all about construction
From carpentry to working with sheet metal, a summer day camp in Philadelphia will teach young girls the tools of the trade in construction.
Local Philadelphia-area girls entering 7th through 12th grade will attend a free construction camp this summer to provide real-world experience, mentorship, and education about the opportunities that exist in the construction industry, regardless of gender. Females make up only about 10% of the construction industry.
The camp is called MyWic (Mentoring young Women In Construction) and takes place in Philadelphia between Thursday, July 6 through Friday, Aug. 11. It is run by the National Association of Women in Construction Philadelphia Foundation, which partnered with companies that include national facilities management company NEST and Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern Jersey to make it a reality.
“The construction industry and the skilled trades offer so many opportunities for future careers that are in high demand, not only in Philadelphia but across the country,” said Rob Almond, CEO of NEST, which is based in South Jersey. “The MyWIC camp is a summer-long tradition that shows the girls the incredible career opportunities in our industries. The girls learn that construction is so much more than swinging a hammer.”
The camp is designed to create a sustainable labor pool in the construction industry while exposing young women to careers that they may not have previously considered. The Philadelphia Youth Network Work Ready also provides funding to cover a portion of the cost.
The camp will take place at several trade locations throughout the Philadelphia area during July and August. Each day, the girls will learn about a specialty within the trades, including carpentry, sheet metal, safety training, electricians, finishing trades, steamfitters, plumbers and retail construction.
“MyWIC is developing America’s next generation of female leaders by teaching them about the construction and skilled trades industry,” said Mary Gaffney, president, NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation President. “Females make up only about 10% of the construction industry, and there are incredible opportunities to build a career in the skilled trades. By the end of the camp, we see a tangible increase in the girls’ self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall self-image.”
The attendees of the camp are coordinated by Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern Jersey.
With more than 115 chapters across the country, the National Association of Women in Construction offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance women’s careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders.