Page 76 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2017

nailed it
Women are working in all job sectors these days, including the construction industry. The presence of women in construction is getting a boost locally by the Women in Construction Program at Moore Community House. The Biloxi non-profit organization started the program to train women for apprenticeship and non-traditional occupations, work that typically offers higher pay and more opportunity for advancement than the minimum wage jobs held by many low income women in Mississippi. Approximately 400 graduates have completed the program since the first class began in 2008. The program is an eight-week, full-time training course.
“The destruction of Hurricane Katrina was part of the driving force to begin this program,” Program Director Julie Kuklinski said. “Women needed jobs and a lot of rebuilding was needed on the Coast. It was a perfect fit for us to offer this training.”
The classes meet Monday through Thursday offering courses in general industry, which is the basis for all construction and advanced
manufacturing jobs. Also taught
are national job skills, soft skill training such as preparing resumes and professional development, how to prevent sexual harassment, and financial literacy. Advanced training is offered to meet industry needs, and welding night classes are offered in partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
“Women come from all backgrounds,
and this training gives them the ability to earn three times as much,” Kuklinski said.
She says industry has been receptive to hiring women. “We have to build relationships, and we find out what they need and build it into our curriculum. Also, we really try to get women into apprenticeship programs such as with Ingalls Shipbuilding and jobs with Moss Aviation, commercial
76 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • September 2017
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