Estimated Read Time: 1 minute 45 seconds
In Amber Weissmann’s short time in the industry, she has already accomplished so much – it is clear this is her passion. Amber has been a mason apprentice for us for almost two years and continues to break boundaries. Most recently, she competed in the 2022 Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers District Council Apprenticeship contest. This competition is only held every three years and includes students from across the state, region, and nation who put their bricklaying skills to the test against each other. They perform a series of masonry projects under a timed deadline and then are judged on their performance and finished product.
Not only is Amber one of the few women to participate in the contest, but she took first place and advanced to state and then again to regionals in Ohio and then again to nationals in Boston, MA.
Outside the competition and the jobsite, Amber takes every chance she can get to mentor those younger than her, even though she is only two years into her apprenticeship. Amber is also a huge advocate for bricklayers, specifically seeking out other women to join the trade. Below are just a few ways she has and continues to do so:
- Amber is an active advocate for the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers District Council of Wisconsin. Most recently, she attended the Women in the Trades Career Fair with her Field Representative, Jason Hoffman, at Madison Labor Temple. In the photo above, you see her networking with another tradeswoman. Amber encouraged ladies like her to join in on the craft of masonry work.
- She is also a member and advocate for the Tradeswomen of South Central Wisconsin. This group is made up of tradeswomen who unite to recruit, empower, support, advocate for and retain women in the building and construction trades. She, along with her fellow tradeswomen, work to grow opportunities and to build a more safe, equitable and inclusive culture for themselves.
- For the second year in a row, Amber has volunteered to work at Kids Build Wisconsin, an event held each year in Madison, to inspire and encourage kids interested in construction careers and what the industry has to offer them. This year she worked at the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers District Council of Wisconsin booth helping kids make Mosaic Coasters. It is important for youth to see women at this event, too – it shows that construction is not just for men.
We are so thankful to have Amber on our team, paving the way for other ladies, specifically adolescents, in the industry who might want to join the trades. She’s changing perspectives that a four-year degree might not be for everyone and that construction is for ladies too! If you’re interested in a career in the trades or would like to talk with Amber about what it’s like, please reach out to me via email: laura.cullen@jpcullen.com.
