Pilot program that trains Wyoming women for jobs traditionally held by men — truck driving, welding and construction — deserves to be continued and expanded in the Equality State.

Expand training program to enhance women’s lives

A pilot program that trains Wyoming women for jobs traditionally held by men — truck driving, welding and construction — deserves to be continued and expanded in the Equality State.

It has achieved a number of goals since it began two years ago, including higher wages for women trained in these fields, and reducing the state’s gender wage gap. The program also put more people into the work force at a time when Wyoming has a severe labor shortage.

Seventy-one of the 78 women who entered the program in Casper, Cheyenne and Gillette completed the training. Only about 40 percent of the women already had jobs, and their average wage was only $7.08 an hour. About 80 percent of the women obtained jobs related to the training, at an average of $12.28 per hour.

In a state where women earn only 67 cents for every dollar earned by men — the highest gender wage disparity in the nation — that’s a huge improvement. It shows the tremendous potential of the program if it is expanded to other cities and other high-paying trades.

Full Story: http://www.trib.com/articles/2006/08/24/editorial/editorial/9474b155a053ea23872571d2007df175.txt