Lisle, Ill., Local 701’s Women’s Committee brought more than 150 women together in late March to learn about all that a union apprenticeship offers.

To get that kind of a turnout during a raging storm demonstrated how much interest there is, said Debbie Erbach, chair of the Women’s Committee.

“I was incredibly happy to see so many women interested in a career with the IBEW,” Erbach said. “We got a lot of positive feedback and great questions from the attendees.”

Women make up less than 5% of tradesworkers and carry two-thirds of the nation’s student loan debt. Women are also overrepresented in low-wage jobs.

“Careers in the trades offer women a pathway to financial independence — without the burden of student loan debt,” Erbach said.

A career with Local 701 also offers more than just a job, Local 701 Business Manager Frank Gravina said. It offers stability, excellent wages, strong benefits and a clear path for advancement. It’s a career where your skills are valued, where you can earn while you learn and where your hard work directly translates into success.

“The tools can be taught. The skills can be developed. What matters most is your determination,” Gravina said.

The event began with a viewing of a poster gallery of women leaders in the labor movement. Volunteers nearby answered questions about the apprenticeship. The women also toured the shop area and classrooms. Local 701’s first-year instructor, Joe Wasner, demonstrated pipe bending and had some attendees try it themselves. JATC Director TJ Jarman was also on hand explaining the program and answering questions.

The event had multiple guest speakers, including Sixth District International Vice Present Mike Clemmons, Gravina, Sixth District International Representative Anthony Giunti, DuPage County Chairwoman Deb Conroy and leaders from the Warrenville area, west of Chicago.

It ended with a moderated question-and-answer period with three apprentices and Jarman.

“Our event had IBEW members at every turn answering questions and sharing information. I’m really proud of our local for having so many volunteers in attendance,” she said. “It was a great example of the solidarity and expertise of the IBEW.”

Erbach said the number of attendees was indicative of how many women are interested in a career in the trades. It’s just a matter of doing the outreach and making women aware of what a job in the IBEW looks like and how much it has to offer, regardless of gender.

“I’d love to see 50% women in this job.” Erbach told NBC Chicago. “It’s not a man’s job. I don’t see how you have to be a man to do it.”

The event also showed the potential apprentices that there’s a lot of support for them as they progress in the trade.

“I don’t think women always have the opportunity to learn about the trades,” Erbach said. “Women reaching out to women shows that this career is available to them, and they don’t have to do it alone.”

As Clemmons put it, the heart of the event was opportunity.

“It is about showing women from all walks of life that there is a place for them in the union electrical industry,” Clemmons said. “It is about making sure women can see, firsthand, what this trade offers: world-class training, good wages, strong benefits, real career advancement and the pride that comes from building something that matters.”