Empowering Women in the Trades

The Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in American agenda is impacting communities across the country, from Pittsburgh to Las Vegas, San Francisco to Charlotte, Eugene to Lansing.

In Milwaukee, Acting Secretary Julie Su announced $1.5 million in grants to the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Big STEP, which works to create a diverse and highly skilled workforce. The funds will go toward an electric vehicle pre-apprenticeship program.

While there, Acting Secretary Su met Kilah Engelke, who began her career in the trades. Now, as a board member of the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership and founder of EmpowHER, she is working to help other women get into the trades. Read more on her story and her advice for other women.

How did you get into the trades?

My stepdad was an estimator for a big concrete road-building company. He put me and my brothers on crews during the summers. One year, I took a break from school to figure out what I wanted to do and started my apprenticeship as an OPCMIA cement mason. After I graduated as a journey worker, I continued to become more and more involved with my union. Eventually, I threw my name in the hat to become the local apprenticeship and training coordinator. I accepted that position in 2011 and have been a staff member ever since. In 2018, I ran for and was elected as a business agent and recording secretary, which is how I currently am employed and serve my membership. 

What has your experience been like being a woman in the trades?

My experience as a tradeswoman has shaped my life. It has allowed me to live my dreams while building my pension and having the best healthcare available. I've been so fortunate to be a part of building the community I live in and be a respected part of the crews I've been a member of, which has given me so much pride and joy. Before I got into this, I didn't even know the job I'd be doing today was a job, but I can't imagine living or working any other way.

How has this work impacted you personally?

This work has given me confidence as it allows me to remain competitive and active. It combines physical talents and developing skills while also building on my knowledge of the science of the dynamic material that I work with, which is concrete. There is never a limit to how much I can learn — there is always a way I can grow and be challenged mentally and obviously physically. I have made great money as a cement mason, allowing me to own my own house, have nice vehicles, have amazing life experiences, be independent and not have to rely on anyone else besides myself, all while building my pension and having the best health care a person can have  — all of which is included in my pay.  

Have you felt the impact of the Biden-Harris administration’s investments in Wisconsin’s workforce?

I have fully experienced the impact of the investments in Wisconsin's workforce in that we are distinctly focused on stepping up to the plate to make sure that diverse groups are at work and on the projects that will reshape the communities that we live in and the job sites will continue to look more and more like those communities. There is a strong and profound effort to make sure that becomes a reality, and as a rep for the trades, I know that we are seeing more and more interest in our benefits. The value that comes from family-sustaining wages and training that allows you to earn while you learn. And the interest is definitely coming from all angles — labor, management, government and industry — to invest in the people to create the strongest workforce and build the best crews.

You have helped pave a path for women to get into the trades in Wisconsin. What advice would you give other women looking to get into the trades? 

To women considering a career in the trades, I would say to have confidence in yourself, to focus on your own skills and knowledge and know that you are meant to be there just as much as anyone else. Ask questions, work hard, be flexible and don't let negativity distract you from why you are there, which is to have a cool job, make great money, and have pride in yourself and your work. Connect to the networks of women around you because they are popping up all over the place and making an impact. When you reach a level of proficiency and feel comfortable, reach back and lend your hand to the next woman behind you to continue building on the sisterhood!

Kilah Engelke is a tradeswoman, a member of the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, and the founder of EmpowHER in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

To explore apprenticeships near you, visit apprenticeship.gov.