Melissa Wells, Special Assistant to the President of the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide perspective on how enhancing diversity in union construction careers can serve as a pathway to the middle class.
Wells’ journey began with the Baltimore-DC Building Trades Council as Regional Director, where she led the growth of Apprenticeship Readiness Programs and community partnership development for the council. Wells also represents the 40th district in the Maryland House of Delegates, where she develops policies that support economic security.
Wells emphasized the critical role union apprenticeship programs play in promoting diversity and providing stable, well-paying careers. According to Wells, the building trades are excelling in getting more women, workers of color and veterans into a union career path. She added that this commitment to diversity not only enriches the workforce but also ensures that the benefits of union membership—such as high wages and comprehensive benefits—are accessible to historically underrepresented groups.
Wells acknowledged the challenges of changing perceptions about entering the trades, particularly in schools where college is seen as the primary path to success. She advocates for greater collaboration with school counselors and parents to promote apprenticeships as viable and rewarding career options. Wells said ensuring that lawmakers understand how registered apprenticeships are part of the ecosystem of good-paying career pathways will be crucial for changing the perception of the trades.
Listen to the episode above for a deeper dive into Wells and NABTU’s efforts to enhance diversity in the trades.