Whitney Young Job Corps Operated by Horizon Youth Service held a Women in Construction training session on Thursday, January 10. Hope Harp, Career Connection Specialist / Instructor with Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters was the guest speaker to discuss “Women in the Construction”. Currently four young ladies are studying to begin a career that is predominately performed by men. Although more men are in the industry, Harp encouraged the ladies to stay in the field because it can truly be rewarding and beneficial if you like working with your hands and willing to be mobile.

Harp was the 1st woman in this area to become a high level instructor in the construction arena affording Harp the opportunity to travel and comfortably take care of her family. The female construction trade students asked great questions and were amazed by Harp’s accomplishments in the era that Harp build her career. Although Harp faced many challenges and adversities in the workplace, she never quit and that was the main message she conveyed to young ladies. Through persistence Harp overcame the obstacles and now she is able to retire at an early age.

Harp is involved in the Carpenters Apprenticeship program and visits the Whitney Young Job Corps carpentry trade on a regular basis to become acquaintance with potential new talent and stay connected with the carpentry program. Over the past few months Harp has established a bond with Rebecca Neri, shop foreman, in carpentry and looks forward to Neri taking the next step in her career to become a pre-apprenticeship employee and join the Carpentry Union. Harp wants to help by giving back to the young ladies in construction because the workforce should be more diverse plus the rewards of working in construction should not be shared by only men. Women should enjoy the fruits of their labor too that can be life changing.