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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2000)
dflcflmbflf 1.2000 * nnT?T7TtW??Tlneic;s I f I H ad a H ammer Program prepares women for the trades by Natalie Shapiro Assocuite * t 0 i>0Vt n c e A » 'lVet’S ^ . E * P « ' en . . ste ner * nne Galisky was 5 years old when she got her first carpentry tools. Now, she is a successful carpenter and general contractor. She attributes her success both to her parents’ sup port at an early age and to a six- month Portland Community College program called B-F1T. Building Futures in Industry and Trades teaches students the skills they need to become car penters, masons, electricians, welders and more. Although open to all people, the focus is on women and minorities. Unfortunately, B-FIT is in danger of being dropped because student enrollment has been declining during the past few years. “Right now, we only have five students, and there have been less than 10 over the last several years,” lamented Dean Anne Galisky Kruse, dean of science and tech nology at PCC’s Rock Creek Campus. they can’t do something hard or technical. To be B-FIT began in 1989 as a means to help a carpenter, a mason or a machinist challenges women become ready for entering the trades. It and shatters cultural and sexist stereotypes. originally was funded through the federal gov Women who enter the trades have been able ernment, but once the grant ran out, the college to brush aside these hindering stereotypes. “It’s had to pick up the costs. no accident that there are so many lesbians in “Originally, there was one staff member for the trades,” Galisky laughed. three students,” Kruse said. “But now the teach She noted that one way women are kept out ers have to stretch themselves doing other jobs.” of the trades is by being labeled lesbians. “So if B-FIT courses teach students the basics in you have confronted it already, it can’t be used the construction, electrical and mechanical against you!” trades. The program also offers a circuit weight She added that sexual minorities always training course to build the strength needed for have been pioneers. “Lesbians are already these jobs. challenging gender stereotypes, so it’s easier “You don’t have to be as strong as the men, to do other things that challenge these but you have to be as strong as you are able stereotypes." to,” said Galisky, who graduated from B-FIT Galisky wants women to realize they can 10 years ago. The program allows women to enter the trades if they want to. “There’s a lot to catch up and gain the skills many entry-level say in not letting cultural stereotypes get in the men have. way of what you want to do— whatever that is,” Galisky said the instruction teaches students she stressed. about the construction culture. “Trades are a dif Why would women want to enter the trades? ferent language— this is an introduction to that Galisky said she loves her work and has pride in it. “I love making something that I can see— the language.” The program also prepares students for satisfaction of taking an idea and making it a reality.” apprenticeships. Galisky thinks the courses are invaluable for preparing women for the ' She also gets to work outside and wear trades. “They are more likely to stick it out,” jeans, and her body feels strong. “I like the good feeling of tiredness at the end of the day she said. • Kruse added that graduates are extremely from working.” And the pay is good, too, she added. successful in getting jobs; many own their own According to the B-FIT brochure, average businesses. Between 800 and 900 students have yearly earnings for carpenters range from completed B-FIT, Galisky said. With the successes of preparing students for $24,000 to $55,000, for electricians from the trades, why is enrollment so low? Galisky $30,000 to $49,000 and for welders from thinks one reason is people simply don’t know $20,000 to $40,000. The B-FIT program lasts for two quarters. about the program. She, Kruse and others are The next quarter begins Jan. 8 at PCC’s Rock trying to bring more students into B-FIT. Another reason is women hesitate to enter Creek Campus. i n the traditionally male-dominated trades. “I B uilding F utures in I ndustry and think it’s cultural,” Galisky said. “In other coun tries, women do construction work. We need to TRADES will hold an orientation l p.m . D ec. 5 m know we can be completely a woman and do Room 1 36 o f Building 5 a t Portland C om m unity C ollege’s Rock C reek C am p u s. F or more inform a - carpentry.” tzon, call John Fulton a t 503-6/4-7255. 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