After leaving a retail position in the 1990’s, Kathy Muehlbauer started a more satisfying career as a Carpenter. She joined the Carpenters’ Union after her mother suggested she explore the trades and began the apprenticeship soon after.
She recalls that back then, it was challenging to attain a sense of belonging as a woman navigating a career path in a male-dominated field. She found that often she was the only woman on the crew. In some cases, this dynamic meant that it was common for her male counterparts to view her abilities with some skepticism.
As time went on, she found confidence in her skills and her belonging, but also noticed a cultural shift in the trade which has become more welcoming to female Carpenters. She shares that a Union career has allowed her to afford a good life.
Learn more about her journey by clicking here or watching the video above.