Woodworking Workshop Introduces Youth to the Skilled Trades

High school youth participated in a woodworking workshop facilitated by the Retention Apprenticeship Program (RAMP) and led by union carpenter Olwyn Brown and an all-women crew of skilled trades professionals. Under their guidance, students learned how to safely use tools and build their own carpentry project, choosing between a step stool, bookends, pencil holder, or phone stand.  

For many of the girls, it was their first time working with power tools or engaging in a hands-on building project. Seeing women leading the space—both teaching and modeling careers in the trades—was a powerful shift in perspective. 

“It was empowering to see women doing this kind of work,” one participant shared. “It made me feel like I could do it too.”

The carpentry workshop is the first in a series of engagements that will continue throughout the year and will include additional exposure across multiple trades through workshops, career panels, and mentorship opportunities. 

Thank you to the Soroptimist Club, Oakland for sponsoring this event!

By providing early, practical exposure to these career pathways, the pilot is part of Girls Inc. of Alameda County’s broader workforce development initiative; to equip girls with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to pursue a wider range of postsecondary options that include direct entry into the workforce after high school.  

This summer alone, more than 90 youth and young adults are engaging in workforce development opportunities through Girls Inc.—64 high school students in internship placements and/or participating in skilled trades projects and 27 young adults serving as apprentices in our Expanded Learning Apprenticeship Program.    

You can help expand access to programs like the Women in Trades Project by investing in us today! 

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