Summer construction camp introduces girls to careers in the trades

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A free summer camp in Philadelphia is introducing girls to careers in construction and other skilled trades through hands-on training and mentorship.

The two-week camp with the program Mentoring Young Women in Construction is organized by the nonprofit National Association of Women in Construction Philadelphia Foundation. The program is open to girls in grades 7-12 and exposes them to a variety of trades through practical learning experiences.

Participants such as Sanah Muray and Emily Buck said the camp has provided valuable opportunities to explore potential career paths.

"It's a great opportunity and great experience," Muray said.

"It's been really cool," Buck said.

During the program, students visit training facilities and job sites where union workers volunteer their time and expertise. On one day, campers were learning at Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, where they practiced trade skills and gained firsthand experience.

"They are bending and soldering some copper pipe," said Mary Gaffney of the National Association of Women in Construction Philadelphia Foundation.

The camp is designed to help participants envision long-term careers in industries that continue to need skilled workers.

"For the most part, your coworkers, the guys that you're working beside, they just want you to work just like them," said Natasha Scott Lawson of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19.

Gaffney said skilled trades offer career stability.

"It's gonna be one of those jobs, and it is one of those jobs that AI's not gonna replace," she said.

Industry leaders also point to a growing demand for workers.

"There is a giant skilled trades gap right now, across the board, any trade you're looking at, and I think women are really gonna be the catalyst to close that gap," said Rowland Adamoli of Helios HVAC & Refrigeration.

For some campers, the experience has reinforced career interests they already had.

"I have a lot of carpenters and electricians in my family as well," said Muray.

"I'm going to a trade school for welding," Buck said.

Organizers say the benefits extend beyond career exploration. The camp also helps participants build confidence and independence.

"That makes me feel proud because I feel like I don't have to rely on anybody," Buck said.

The free camp is made possible by support from unions, with members volunteering their time, and sponsorship from companies including NEST, which is based in South Jersey.

Now in its 17th year, the camp filled all 84 available spots. To help participants continue developing their skills after the program ends, each camper received a bag of tools to keep.

"We're sharing with them what they can do," Gaffney said.