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Women in Non-Traditional Careers Trade Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Earn more by entering a nontraditional career in the trades.

Apply now

About WINC

More women are getting into nontraditional jobs like union construction. The union construction industry provides good-paying jobs for women without a degree; women in union construction jobs often earn more than women who have earned a four-year degree and graduate without debt. Regardless of trade, women are building great careers that provide family-sustaining wages, health care, a secure retirement, and more. 

The Women in Nontraditional Careers Trade Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship program (WINC TRP) is a career training program for women to gain opportunities in construction, manufacturing, or transit careers. The program provides job opportunities for women through safety training, education, mentorship, and job application assistance. WINC TRP is in partnership with the Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region, the training provider of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

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  • Age 18 or older
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • H.S. Diploma/GED
  • Pass Drug Test
  • Philadelphia Residents Given Priority
  • Program Length: 6 Weeks

Finishing Trades Institute – MAR
2190 Horning Rd
Philadelphia, PA

  • Painter
  • Glazier
  • HVAC
  • Welder
  • Carpenter
  • Steamfitter
  • Insulator
  • Cement Mason
  • Operating Engineer
  • Job Site Safety (OSHA 10)
  • Job Site & Union Visits
  • Job Application Assistance
  • Construction Math Mentor
"I grew up with the perception that smart people went to college and the trades were for dummies. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I know real geniuses who are pipefitters. There is a place for everyone in the trades. A college education is not necessary, but the smarter and better educated you are, the farther you’ll go."
Anne KahlePipefitter
Anne Kahle
"When I first began my apprenticeship, I found out I was pregnant. This is now my fourth year in the trades and the benefits and money coming in really help because now I’m a single mother. I have pride in what I do and I hope that eventually my son will say “yeah, my mom does that” and have pride in me as well. Nothing is impossible with the right motivation and determinations."
Tamara McCoulloughSheet Metal Worker
Tamara McCoullough
"I like being outside and working with my hands, and if I feel good doing it, then why should I be limited if I’m a woman? Why shouldn’t I be making the big bucks, having health insurance, and double pension and annuity with the union? Why should I stay making $12 an hour doing something I’m not really happy at when I want a well-paying career that offers me a good future?"
Vanessa CasillasBricklayer
Vanessa Casillas
"As a woman in the manufacturing industry, I am inspired by other women leading the way, whether working as a team to put products together or to get the product shipped to the customer."
Stephanie CortesElectromechanical and Cable Assembler
Stephanie Cortes

Why Construction?

Women in union construction jobs have access to:

  • World-class training in high-demand skills
  • Industry-leading wages
  • Healthcare for you and your family
  • A secure retirement through pension and annuity plans

Apprenticeship

Want to get paid to learn? Watch our video “Intro to Apprenticeship” to learn more.

Is a career in union construction right for you?

Take the quiz to find out.

Take the Quiz

Real Stories

Watch and use these videos to inspire more women of all ages to explore careers in the trades.

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for the WINC program, you must be 18 years old or older, have a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma or GED, and pass a drug test. Philadelphia residents are given priority. Beyond the minimum requirements, a career in construction, manufacturing, utilities, or transit is a good fit for women who are good at solving problems and puzzles, like to work with their hands, and prefer to be active instead of sitting. If you have a desire to learn, work hard, and excel, this program is for you.

WINC program cohorts are 6 weeks long.

The next WINC cohort is October 2025.

Training takes place at the Finishing Trades Institute at 2190 Hornig Rd, Philadelphia, PA.

In-person orientation sessions are at the Finishing Trades Institute at 2190 Hornig Rd, Philadelphia, PA.

The program is from 8 am – 4:30 pm from Tuesday to Thursday.

A desire to excel.

Visit WINCProject.org to learn more about non-traditional career opportunities. https://philaworks.org/winc/

Visit WINCProject.org to learn more about non-traditional career opportunities. https://philaworks.org/winc/

Recent News

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Contact Us

If you need more information, contact us at winc@fti.edu,
or call Erin O’Brien-Hofmann at 267-939-0035 or Keriann Madden at 215-900-1987.

Women in Non-Traditional Careers logo.

The Women in Nontraditional Careers Trade Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship program (WINC TRP) is a career training program for women to gain opportunities in construction, manufacturing, or transit careers.

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winc@fti.edu

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The Women in Non-Traditional Careers Trade Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship Program is supported by federal funding through Trades Futures. A total of $100,000, or 36.5% of the Women in Non-Traditional Careers Trade Readiness Pre-Apprenticeship Program is financed with federal funds, and 63.5% of the program is funded by state funding through PhilaWorks. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.

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