The Moore Community House Women in Construction (WinC) program is a pre-apprenticeship job training initiative designed to prepare women for high-paying careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. By equipping women with the skills and support needed to succeed, WinC creates pathways to economic security for families while addressing the growing industry demand for a trained workforce.

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WinC was established in 2007 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In response to the urgent need for workers in recovery efforts, Moore Community House collaborated with Wider Opportunities for Women, a Washington, D.C.-based organization, to launch a program that would train women for construction jobs critical to rebuilding the Gulf Coast. However, the need for these careers extended far beyond hurricane recovery. In Mississippi, women make up half the workforce but account for two-thirds of minimum-wage workers. For single mothers, this disparity is especially challenging, as even full-time federal minimum-wage earnings fall below the poverty line for a family of two and less than half the state’s self-sufficiency wage. Recognizing that construction and shipbuilding jobs offered higher wages and meaningful benefits, Moore Community House decided to develop the program into a long-term initiative to address these inequities.

 

The first class launched in January 2008, and the program has been thriving ever since. Since its inception, WinC has served over 1,000 participants and helped place more than 75% (based on available data) into meaningful employment.

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Today, WinC continues to adapt and respond to the needs of the community and local employers. We work closely with industry partners to ensure our graduates are competitive applicants and prepared to meet the demands of the workforce. Training schedules have been adjusted to accommodate mothers with school-aged children, and hybrid classes now allow participants to complete portions of their learning online, making training more accessible to women with varying responsibilities.

 

The program goes beyond training by offering comprehensive supportive services, including case management, career coaching, and childcare assistance, to ensure participants succeed in both training and employment. WinC is also committed to fostering a statewide culture that encourages and supports women in the trades, creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for the next generation.

 

By helping single mothers achieve economic security, the program makes a lasting multi-generational impact. Women who succeed in these careers can provide better opportunities for themselves and their families, opening doors for their children to pursue brighter futures. The ripple effect of this program creates change that extends far beyond the individuals who graduate from our classes, building stronger families and communities for years to come.