Women of YouthBuild: How YouthBuild Champions Women

In 2019, Gina graduated from the apprenticeship program and is currently a painter’s union journeyman. She recently became the recording secretary, serves as a Volunteer Activist Committee (VAC) coordinator, and as a delegate to District Council 16. Gina’s career goal is to work as a union representative, organizer, or instructor in the union's office. Her advice to employers on supporting women employees?  “Treat us with the same respect you give your male employees. Give us the opportunity to learn and succeed.”

Q:   Why did you decide to go into an apprenticeship program when you graduated from YouthBuild San Joaquin?

A:   There was an opportunity where my program partnered with the union, and union members would come to speak to us.  After hearing from them, I thought, “I want to get into this program once I graduate.”

Q:   What did you gain from your experience in your apprenticeship program?

A:    I gained experience within my craft — painting.  Your mentors in the apprenticeship program expect you to mess up because you are an apprentice, and that is how you learn. Once you mess up, they will teach you the right way to do it.  They call it the tips and tricks of the trade.

Q:   What advice do you have for new apprentices?

A:    Find your niche.  Before you graduate from a YouthBuild program, make sure [you know] what you want.  You want to find something you love, but also to make money and get benefits to support yourself and your family.  And if you do join an apprenticeship, go to school and work hard.  If you don’t know anything, they expect that.  That is why you’re an apprentice.  That is why you ask questions.  They will teach you at school and [on] the job site.  Have a great attitude and come to work every day on time.

Q:   What can employers do to better support women in their careers?

A:   Give us a chance.  Just give us that opportunity.  Our actions and our work ethic will do the talking for us.  Be supportive.  Treat us with respect.  Treat us with the same respect you give your male employees.  Give us the opportunity to learn and succeed. 

(2022 interview; abridged for character limit)