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TheBuzz Erika Engle |
Fingernail breakage can
be an occupational hazardIf breaking a fingernail would keep you from taking a job, even if it meant better pay, you needn't read any further.
The Maui Economic Development Board's Women in Technology Project is looking for a few good women (and men) for paid apprenticeships with the Union of Elevator Constructors.
It is a statewide program, but so far the only apprenticeships available are 20 positions on Oahu in which future elevator constructors will earn about $432 a week. Following a probationary period, the pay goes up to $605 a week and once the four- to five-year apprenticeship is completed, it leaps to $973 a week.
Elevator constructors assemble, install, maintain and replace elevators, escalators, moving walkways and similar equipment, hence the nail breakage warning.
"Our role is to help women get involved," said Christine Andrews, project consultant.
The MEDB has so far connected 70 women with paid apprenticeships in jobs traditionally done by men.
One went from an administrative position to a local area network job with better pay and opportunities at Maui Electric Co., Andrews said.
"The Women in Technology Project is a program of the Maui Economic Development Board that was initially funded by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2000," the first work-force development project of its kind to receive such funding, she said.
Part of the goal was to help correct a male-female imbalance in math-, science- and technology-related jobs. A benefit is that women taking traditionally male jobs wind up earning more money than in traditionally female occupations.
"When you talk about achieving economic self-sufficiency, especially when so many households are headed by women ... it's really helping to alleviate poverty, helping people to have a standard of living where they can stay in Hawaii," Andrews said.
"When women are looking at entering or re-entering the work force, this is a great opportunity for them to transition," she said.
The program provides funding assistance for childcare, transportation and necessary equipment.
Wages paid in some trades are comparable to those paid in many professions requiring the expense of a college education.
The elevator constructor apprenticeships are ideal for "people who are trying to adjust to the economic uncertainties of tourism after 9/11 and SARS," said Andrews. "You always have elevators and they always need to be repaired."
The program has a Web site at www.womenintech.com, but those interested are required to request an application in writing. The program will consider applicants who are at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, pass a reading and math aptitude test, are able to perform the physical requirements of the job, and those who consent to a pre-hire medical exam and drug test.
Applicants should send requests -- including name, mailing address, telephone number and two stamped, self-addressed envelopes -- to Women in Technology Project, Attn: Mapu Aiu, 590 Lipoa Parkway No. 103, Kihei, HI 96753. The requests must be postmarked no later than Nov. 15.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin. Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached at: eengle@starbulletin.com
