Page 46 - BusinessWest December 8, 2025

Something to Build On
Massachusetts Girls in Trades Conference, Career Fair Turns 10
“It’s a chance to
learn not only
about my own
trade, but also
about so many
others — and to
see how women
can continue
to thrive in
a workforce
that’s often
male-dominated.”
On Nov. 20, students from 19 schools across Berkshire, Hamp-
den, Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester counties gathered
in Holyoke to explore life-changing opportunities in the union
construction industry at the 10th annual Massachusetts Girls in
Trades (MA GIT) Conference and Career Fair.
These events are designed to help young women build con-
fidence, gain hands-on knowledge, and envision themselves in
careers they may never have considered before.
“Being part of Massachusetts Girls in Trades has changed my
outlook completely,” said Kennedy Landers, a Worcester Tech Con-
struction Academy student. “It’s lifted my hopes of being a girl in the
trades and given me reassurance that I can do this — and that there
are other girls like me.”
Massachusetts building trades unions train the vast majority of
the state’s construction apprentices — 74% of all registered appren-
tices statewide. They also provide opportunities for those histori-
cally underrepresented in the trades: 80% of all apprentices of
color and 88% of all registered tradeswomen train through union
programs. Today, one in 10 union apprentices in Massachusetts is a
woman, a number that continues to grow.
In total, 356 students attended this year’s western conference
held at Dean Tech High School. This year’s event launched the new
MA GIT alumni network, connecting graduates with mentorship
and career support as they enter into the trades.
For Jaylene dos Santos, the conference represents the heart of
the organization’s mission. “As the chair of the Massachusetts Girls
in Trades Student Leadership Council, I have seen the positive
change that we make every single day,” she said. “Our resources
and support allow students to feel empowered as they enter the con-
struction and construction-related trades. I’m incredibly proud of the
Laborers Local
596 member
Chelsea
Fenton shares
the benefits
of union
apprenticeship
and details her
experience
with students
during a
workshop at
the recent
Girls in Trades
Conference.
work we do to build safe, inclusive spaces for all learners.”
At this year’s event, students heard directly from dos Santos as
well as Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Massachusetts Building
Trades Unions President Frank Callahan.
“Union apprenticeship pro-
grams are the foundation of
an inclusive, world-class con-
Girls
Continued on page 47 >>
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46 << BUILDING TRADES >>
DECEMBER 8, 2025
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