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Teenage Girls Explore Skilled Trades at Free Camp

MyWIC camp with NEST — Photo courtesy of NEST

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- For the 16th summer, local girls entering grades seven through 12 will get hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to the construction and skilled trades industries through the efforts of the MyWIC (Mentoring young Women in Construction) program. This year, the free day camp has expanded its reach once again, with 84 students enrolled across two locations:

MyWIC Northeast: June 16-27
MyWIC South: July 7-18

Organized by the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation and supported by regional partners, including NEST, a leading national Integrated Facilities Management company based in South Jersey, MyWIC is designed to introduce young women to career paths they may not have previously considered.

Throughout the summer, participants will engage in skill-building workshops, mentorship sessions with industry professionals and hands-on visits to jobsites and local trade unions, including carpenters, sheet metal workers, ironworkers, electricians, bricklayers, laborers and other skilled trades. Field trips include tours of the Bellwether District, CHOP’s Roberts Health Center, the Chapel Block at the Navy Yard and the I95 Caping Project.

“Through MyWIC, we’re cultivating the next wave of female leaders in the skilled trades,” said Mary Gaffney, president of the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation. “Women currently make up less than 10% of the construction workforce, but the demand for skilled professionals has never been greater. This program boosts the girls’ self-confidence and opens their eyes to what’s possible.”

“Before MyWIC, I didn’t even think about construction as a job for someone like me,” said Leah S., a returning high school participant. “Now I can see myself doing this as a career -- and I’m not scared to try things I’ve never done before.”

Based in South Jersey, NEST also founded the Skilled Trades Advisory Council (STAC), an industry coalition focused on solving the labor shortage across North America. Both Gaffney and Almond are founding members of STAC.

“Supporting MyWIC is core to NEST’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of tradespeople,” said Rob Almond, CEO of NEST. “These girls are talented, driven and full of potential. We’re proud to play a role in opening their eyes to rewarding careers in construction and facilities management -- careers that are not only high-paying, but honorable and essential to our country’s future.”