On Monday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a grant of $716,701 to the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union, aimed at tackling the challenges women face in construction and related sectors.
This announcement was made by U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su during a visit to Las Vegas, where she was joined by U.S. Representatives Susie Lee and Dina Titus. This funding is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America initiative, which seeks to enhance infrastructure, clean energy, and manufacturing across Southern Nevada.
The grant specifically focuses on supporting women in apprenticeships and nontraditional jobs through the DOL’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. It aims to improve access to industries such as construction, high-tech manufacturing, and information technology, where women have historically been underrepresented.
Julie-Ann Peeples, who started her electrical apprenticeship as a single mother in 2007, highlighted the systemic issues many women encounter, including the lack of affordable childcare. She stated, “Most childcare centers are not available during the hours that our industry requires.” Currently, Peeples serves as the assistant director of the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center of Southern Nevada, where only about 10 percent of the apprentices are women, a figure she believes does not accurately represent the local population.
The funding from this grant will support outreach and assistance efforts by the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union, helping nearly 300 women enroll in apprenticeship programs. Secretary Su noted, “This fund will help ensure these women can access good jobs for financial stability.” The current group of unions comprises over 20,000 workers from 19 different unions, with approximately 3,000 apprentices.
Secretary Su emphasized that successful initiatives require collaboration and pointed out Brightline West’s high-speed rail project as an example, which will employ union members committed to quality and efficiency. This grant positions the Southern Nevada Building Trades Union to make substantial improvements in gender diversity and encourage more women to enter the construction industry.
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