Breaking Barriers: Exposing Girls to Construction Careers with Mary Gaffney

Breaking Barriers: Exposing Girls to Construction Careers with Mary Gaffney

Author: Andrew Brown May 30, 2024 Duration: 39:50
Today, we have an inspiring show lined up for you, featuring Mary Gaffney, President of Gem Mechanical Services and the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation, In this episode, we’ll delve into the extraordinary efforts being made to introduce young girls to the trades industry through innovative programs like the MYWIC camp and Block Kids contests. Mary Gaffney will share the impact of these initiatives, including an extensive infrastructure project in Philadelphia, job site tours, and hands-on activities designed to spark interest in construction careers among girls from diverse backgrounds. We'll touch on the historical context of women in trades, inspired by World War II's Rosie the Riveter, and today's ongoing efforts to reshape perceptions and increase visibility for women in skilled trades. With stories of transformation, empowerment, and the tireless dedication of volunteers and tradeswomen, we'll explore how these programs not only provide technical skills but also foster confidence and essential life skills. Plus, we'll hear about the exciting educational tools like the Block Kids activity book, designed to help children understand the fundamentals of various trades through interactive games and challenges. Follow Andrew Brown YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Toolfetch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-brown-b1736a5/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.l.brown Website: https://www.andrewbrown.net Philadelphia infrastructure project, electronic charging stations, job site tours, tall buildings, school locations, new playground, camps for girls, northeast camp, snacks and breakfast, lunch at trade locations, hands-on activities, journaling experiences, exposure to trades, lifelong skills, power tools training, safety training, volunteer program, tradeswomen volunteers, student recruitment, local organizations partnership, 15th year of operation, trades path success stories, World War II women's roles, Rosie the Riveter, trades industry women, Lost Art of the Skilled Trades podcast, Mary Gaffney, Block Kids program, building contest, trades activity book, skilled trades importance

There's a quiet revolution happening in the workforce, one built on the sound of a hammer, the hum of a saw, and the satisfaction of a job done with your own hands. The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades is a conversation about that shift, guided by Andrew Brown. This isn't just a technical manual; it's a deep exploration of the craft, business, and profound personal fulfillment found in skilled trades. Andrew draws from his own journey through hands-on work and entrepreneurship to frame discussions that are as much about building a life as they are about building things. Each episode connects the dots between practical skill, viable career paths, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to thrive independently. You'll hear from seasoned professionals who share their hard-won wisdom, alongside discussions on navigating the business side of trades, from client relations to financial stability. The goal is to elevate the conversation around these essential careers, moving beyond stereotypes to highlight the creativity, critical thinking, and dignity inherent in skilled work. Tune into this podcast for honest stories, actionable advice, and a renewed appreciation for the foundational crafts that shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

The Lost Art Of the Skilled Trades
Podcast Episodes
What the Trades Don't See (But We Do) | Aaron Witt, BuildWitt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:54
What the Trades Don't See (But We Do) | Aaron Witt, BuildWittAaron Witt of BuildWitt has visited job sites on 5 continents. His take: the trades' biggest problem isn't negative perception — it's invisibility.Most people…
What Happens After 30 Years in the Trades? | Herb Sargent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:42
What if the real workforce problem isn't recruiting — it's that we're handing young people tools before we've taught them how to live? Herb Sargent, recently retired CEO and Board Chair of Sargent Corporation, has spent…
300,000 Welders Short and It's Getting Worse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
The welder shortage has never improved in 30 years. Kris Scherm of ESAB explains why — and what it will take to fix the pipeline.When Kris Scherm entered the welding industry in the nineties, the American Welding Society…
Sarah Stork Started Welding at 32… Now She Builds Steel Sculptures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
Welder and metal artist Sarah Stork went from farm chores to SkillsUSA national champion — and built a thriving sculpture business on her own terms.When the guys on her SkillsUSA team laughed her off on the spot, Sarah d…
Why the Best Tradesmen Never Cut Corners with John Henderson of ESAB [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
Brazing best practices, nitrogen purge brazing, and air fuel vs oxy fuel system decisions all reveal the same principle: the best tradesmen never cut corners.Host Andrew Brown sits down with John Henderson, Sales Directo…
Why Some People Succeed in the Trades — And Others Don’t [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:14
Skilled trades careers offer another path. Tony Bertolino explains plumbing apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and why apprenticeships aren’t “less than” college.Host Andrew Brown sits down with fourth-generation plum…