Women in the Trades: From IBEW Apprenticeship to Clean Energy Leadership
Can an electrical apprenticeship change more than your career? Can it prepare you to become a leader shaping the future of the clean energy workforce?
In this inspiring episode of Apprenticeships WORK!, Dr. Kimberly A. Moore, National Executive Director of the Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT), welcomes Cristina Marquez, Environmental Organizer with IBEW Local 569 in San Diego, California, to explore how union apprenticeships create career pathways, develop leaders, and expand opportunities for women in the skilled trades.
From graduating from the San Diego Electrical Training Institute apprenticeship program to becoming a journeyman sound technician and environmental advocate, Cristina's journey highlights the transformational potential of skilled trades careers.
As the demand for skilled electricians, clean energy professionals, and technical workers continues to evolve, registered apprenticeships offer an important pathway to workforce readiness, economic mobility, and long-term career advancement.
In This Episode
⚡ Women in the Skilled Trades: Breaking barriers and encouraging more women to pursue careers in electrical construction, clean energy, and union apprenticeships.
⚡ IBEW Apprenticeship Opportunities: How apprenticeship training provides career pathways, technical expertise, and leadership development.
⚡ From Apprentice to Advocate: How hands-on experience in the electrical industry can shape approaches to workforce development, environmental policy, and labor advocacy.
⚡ Clean Energy Workforce Development: Preparing skilled workers for emerging technologies, electrification, and the changing demands of industry.
⚡ Mentorship and Representation: Why mentors, role models, and access to opportunity matter for the next generation of women electricians and skilled trades professionals.
⚡ The Future of Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding awareness, strengthening career pathways, and creating opportunities for individuals who may not have considered careers in the trades.
Why You Should Listen
Whether you're a prospective apprentice, IBEW member, workforce development leader, employer, educator, or advocate for women in construction, this episode explores how apprenticeship can become a foundation for lifelong career success and industry leadership.
Apprenticeships don't just prepare people for jobs. They create pathways for the next generation of skilled workers, advocates, and leaders.
🎧 Listen to Apprenticeships WORK! on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms.
Subscribe, share this episode, and join the national conversation about registered apprenticeships, workforce innovation, and the future of the skilled trades.
About the Podcast: Apprenticeships WORK! is produced by the Clean Technology Training Trust (CTTT) and hosted by Dr. Kimberly A. Moore. The podcast spotlights labor leaders, employers, educators, and innovators advancing registered apprenticeships and building workforce solutions for emerging industries.