California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AR17

Introduced
2/21/25  
Refer
3/3/25  
Report Pass
3/3/25  
Refer
3/4/25  

Caption

Relative to women in carpentry.

Impact

The bill seeks to promote women in carpentry by highlighting the successes of programs designed to recruit and train female carpenters. By fostering the inclusion of women in trades, AR17 aims to enhance occupational diversity and drive economic growth through increased participation in the workforce. It supports the notion that a diverse workforce contributes positively to problem-solving and innovation within the industry, effectively aiding in community development and growth.

Summary

AR17 recognizes the significance of women in carpentry, particularly through the Bridging Outstanding Opportunities with Tradeswomen Skills (B.O.O.T.S.) program. This pre-apprenticeship initiative aims to empower women by providing essential training in carpentry skills, workplace safety, math, and other related areas. It is particularly noteworthy that only 2.6 percent of apprentices in California are women, emphasizing the need for targeted programs like B.O.O.T.S. that can help bridge the skills gap and encourage more women to enter the construction industry.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AR17 appears to be positive, given the emphasis on training and empowerment for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Proponents of the bill view it as a crucial step towards redefining gender roles in carpentry and related trades. They highlight the necessity for a diversified workforce that can tackle larger projects and fill critical skill gaps in the labor market. The overall tone underscores the importance of programs like B.O.O.T.S. in changing perceptions and increasing women's participation in the trades.

Contention

While the resolution largely promotes a positive message about women in the trades, potential contention may arise regarding the implementation of such programs at ground level. Discussions could involve the effectiveness of these training programs in providing long-term career advancement and whether they sufficiently address barriers such as workplace culture and systemic biases that women may face in carpentry and construction sectors.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.