ANEW was founded in 1980 by people dedicated to improving the access and advancement of women in non-traditional career pathways such as construction and manufacturing. ANEW is the oldest, continuously running pre-apprenticeship program in the nation with a unique and successful reputation for training people to enter the construction industry. The organization continues to focus on equity and inclusion in for men, women, and people of color through pre-apprenticeship programs, employment navigation, and financial support for individuals who desire a family wage career in construction.
ANEW partners with over 17 apprenticeship programs in the Puget Sound region. Students are able to learn in the same training facilities used by apprenticeship programs. In addition to the apprenticeship programs, ANEW collaborates with public partners, other pre-apprenticeship programs and employers. Because of their strong partners, they are able to see clients successfully apply to and be accepted into apprenticeship programs. ANEW also offers retention services to clients for two years, resulting in increased retention for pre-apprenticeship graduates.
In 2018, ANEW served 14 Burien residents and as of October 2019 had served nine Burien residents.
Andrea, a recent student who now works as a laborer for Shamrock Company, says, “If it wasn’t for ANEW and their program helping me get the supplies I need and set me up in order to be successful, I probably wouldn’t be as far ahead as I am today. I am truly grateful.”
Brandi is another success story. Referred to the ANEW program after graduating from the Department of Corrections Pre-Apprenticeship program (TRAC) in late December, Brandi earned her OSHA 10 and First Aid/AED certification cards and was progressing quickly through the curriculum. But one of the barriers she need to overcome was getting her driver’s license renewed after she lost it due to multiple unpaid parking tickets. She was connected to the Nanci Tudor Foundation who helped her work with the Tacoma Municipal Court to establish a payment plan. While she was waiting for her driver’s license to be reinstated, she found she had a passion for carpentry. She applied for the Carpenters Local 30 apprenticeship program and in just a few short weeks was hired by Sellen Construction as a first-year apprentice earning $26.35 per hour. Her TRAC program experience and her stellar performance at the ANEW pre-apprenticeship’s program was cited as the reason she was hired. She is still working with Sellen Construction and is currently at the Seattle Children’s Hospital jobsite where she is earning $27.55 per hour and working 40+ hours a week.
Attend an info session to learn more about their services. Dates and times for upcoming sessions are listed on their website at anewaop.org.
Editor’s Note: This is a story in our continuing series highlighting organizations that receive City of Burien Human Services Funding.
