Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT)

Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) We welcome and encourage positive engagement across our social media platforms and believe in a supportive community.

Established in 1981, Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) has been the leading advocate for women seeking to enter and thrive in nontraditional occupations, leading the charge for equal opportunity and advancement in industries historically dominated by men. Please read our community guidelines:
https://cwit.org/terms-of-use/ -media-community-guidelines

On Sept. 8, electrician Patricia Epps sat on a panel with Illinois state Sens. Cristina Castro and Ram Villivalam, and r...
09/10/2026

On Sept. 8, electrician Patricia Epps sat on a panel with Illinois state Sens. Cristina Castro and Ram Villivalam, and representatives from Women Employed, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois to discuss the importance of state policies for paid family and medical leave.

This week marks the first week of our Fall Technical Opportunities Program (TOP) class. Students will start by getting t...
09/09/2026

This week marks the first week of our Fall Technical Opportunities Program (TOP) class. Students will start by getting to know CWIT instructors and staff, learning more about the history of women in the labor movement, and beginning their OSHA-10 training.

Join us in welcoming these new students as they begin their journey towards becoming experts in the construction trades!

If you’re looking for a new career but can only attend classes on nights and weekends, the TOP program is right for you. This free 12-week training program is perfect for those who work on weekdays. To learn more, visit: https://cwit.org/training/

Only three more days before our Women in Welding cohort graduates! As part of the program requirements, students are wor...
09/08/2026

Only three more days before our Women in Welding cohort graduates! As part of the program requirements, students are working on their final projects this week.

Check out pictures of these students throughout their ten weeks in the program!

Interested in becoming a master welder? Visit our website at: https://cwit.org/training/

This Labor Day, we thank Illinois leaders for taking a stand by passing CWIT's bill requiring lactation and menstruation...
09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we thank Illinois leaders for taking a stand by passing CWIT's bill requiring lactation and menstruation accommodations for construction workers, so every job site can be safe, inclusive and respectful.

This is a big win in a larger fight. Join our movement to ensure dignity and safety on every work site. Sign up to receive updates on our advocacy work: https://cwit.org/policy-and-advocacy/

Yesterday, Chicago Women in Trades staff and tradeswomen met with Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Senator Dick Durb...
09/04/2026

Yesterday, Chicago Women in Trades staff and tradeswomen met with Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., to discuss the realities and needs of women and gender-expansive people who work in the construction trades.

The group highlighted the progress CWIT has made in recent years, current federal challenges, threats against their work and job site inclusion, and how Congress can work with them to stand against those threats.

Thank you to Sen. Duckworth and Sen. Durbin for hearing our voices and committing to help us continue fighting the good fight for inclusive job sites and workers’ rights.

On Tuesday, State Representative Dagmara Avelar visited our office for a tour and an important roundtable discussion on ...
09/03/2026

On Tuesday, State Representative Dagmara Avelar visited our office for a tour and an important roundtable discussion on labor force equity and the support that women and gender-expansive tradespeople need at work.

Representative Avelar is a true champion for workers and tradeswomen. We're grateful to her for being a co-sponsor of our recently signed bill, SB 3465, which requires construction sites to provide menstruation and lactation accommodations for trades workers.

Thank you, Representative Avelar, for stopping by.

&Advocacy

Join She Builds and Chicago Women in Trades for SHE LEVELS UP — a poker night benefiting women in the trades! Chicago-ba...
09/03/2026

Join She Builds and Chicago Women in Trades for SHE LEVELS UP — a poker night benefiting women in the trades! Chicago-based, women-led company Poker Power will teach guests how to play poker throughout the night, making this event beginner-friendly.

WHEN: Friday, September 18 - 3 PM to 8 PM

WHERE: Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL

We are excited to share that proceeds from this event will benefit Tools Up Foundation and Chicago Women in Trades, contributing towards our efforts to help women and gender-expansive people build successful careers in the construction trades.

Don't hesitate to get your tickets today at www.shebuilds.org

Seats are limited, so act fast!

Sponsorship is still open! Those interested in sponsoring should email [email protected] today!

09/02/2026

TRIVIA NIGHT🧠💡✨🏆
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
IRONWORKERS LOCAL 63 UNION HALL
2525 LEXINGTON ST. BROADVIEW, IL 60155

DOORS OPEN: 6:00 PM
TRIVIA STARTS: 7:00 PM

ONLY 24 TABLES AVAILABLE (6 PER TABLE)
$50 PER PERSON
$300 PER TABLE
ENTRY INCLUDES UNLIMITED FOOD & DRINKS!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE!

https://pci.jotform.com/form/261615631742152

Our summer Women in Welding students are in the home stretch. Before they graduate next Friday, they're hard at work on ...
09/01/2026

Our summer Women in Welding students are in the home stretch. Before they graduate next Friday, they're hard at work on their final exam, final projects, and welding certification.

Interested in learning how to start a welding career? Learn more about our free program at: https://cwit.org/training/

Good news! In-person open houses have been EXTENDED!If you missed any of our Summer in-person information sessions, don'...
08/31/2026

Good news! In-person open houses have been EXTENDED!

If you missed any of our Summer in-person information sessions, don't worry! We've added two more dates for the Fall in September and October. Now is your chance to learn more about our programs, talk to our staff, and meet working tradeswomen who can give you insight into what it's like to build your own career in the trades.

Dates:
September 30
October 28

Time:
4 PM - 6 PM

Location:
Chicago Women in Trades
2444 W. 16th St., Suite 3
Chicago, IL 60608

To RSVP, email CWIT Program Administrator, Ca'Ron King, at [email protected]. Spots for these events are limited, so act fast!

Address

2444 W. 16th Street Rear Of The Building, 3rd Fl
Chicago, IL
60608

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9am - 3:30pm
Friday 9am - 3:30pm

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