Research Director Rachel Erstad, a member of the Washington State Women’s Commission Economic Well-Being Committee, collaborated with other committee members to create a report on women’s participation in apprenticeships in Washington State, with a focus on the building trades. 

The report issues findings and recommendations for the state, apprenticeship programs, and other organizations supporting women in the building trades. Findings include that women’s representation varies significantly between trades or crafts, women of color are an important part of the apprenticeship pipeline, and efforts to address representation are already having an impact. Recommendations include maintaining and strengthening Washington’s state apprenticeship data infrastructure, expanding pre-apprenticeship opportunities for women of color, and increasing accountability for apprenticeship equity outcomes. 

You can read the full report here: https://wswc.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/REPORT-Women-in-Washingtons-Skilled-Trades.pdf