Nonprofit providing women pathways to construction trades thru pre-apprenticeship
Welcome to WANTT
Women Accessing Non-Traditional Trades, Inc. in Tulsa, OK A 501 (c) (3)
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Mark & Mona Whitmire underwrite $25,000 matching grant!
What is WANTT?
Our mission
MISSION: Women Accessing Non-traditional Trades, Inc. (WANTT) creates a path for women to earn family-sustaining wages through pre-apprenticeship training and experiences that will teach skills for entry into construction apprenticeship work.
What is Pre-Apprenticeship?
The U.S. Department of Labor defines “a Pre-apprenticeship program as a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities. Pre-apprenticeships may last from a few weeks to a few months and may or may not include wages or stipend. Pre-apprenticeship programs have varied program elements; however, at the core, places an individual on a pathway to employability through a RAP.” (https://www.apprenticeship.gov/help/what-pre-apprenticeship)
Our history
Conceived in 2020 by Margot Heyne-Bell and Laura Stauffer. They recognize the need to recruit more women to work in the construction trades. They realize that there are barriers in pursuing these work fields and exposure to these work fields is not common for women. Ms. Heyne-Bell graduated from ANEW in Seattle, Washington area prior to accessing an electrical apprenticeship and having a career in the trades. She knew that a pre-apprenticeship program can be successful in providing women access and employment in the trades. Ms. Stauffer has over 40 years in oil and gas industry as a petroleum engineer where she successfully completed a career in a non-traditional field. She volunteered with several area nonprofit organizations and served on the boards at the Street School and Gilcrease Museum.
Recent add to the team is John Staires. Mr. Staires will develop the class curriculum and teach the technical skills training. He has over 46 years of experience in the construction industry where he has formed many relationships. Some of his experiences include Building Official in the City, City of Tulsa’s Chief Electrical Inspector; and served on various construction industry technical committees and boards
Board of Directors
Margot Heyne-Bell, co-founder
Laura Stauffer, co-founder
Cassie Hammond has been with the Laborers’ Union for over 21 years. She has held several positions in Local 107 including Dispatcher, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer. Cassie is currently the Southwest Laborers’ District Council Assistant Business Manager, LIUNA Women’s Caucus Chair, Sisters of Union Labor (SOUL) President, and she serves on the Northeastern Oklahoma Labor Council Executive Board. Outside of work, Cassie volunteers as Treasurer for the Peninsula Fire Department and Auxiliary, has been an active volunteer for The Girl Scouts of America and participates in many local activities within the community. “Women are going to be a key component in the future of the labor movement,” said Hammond. “I look forward to supporting these women in the construction industry.”
Mona Whitmire was employed at OSU Medical Center for 20 years. She served as the Medical Staff Manager which gave her the opportunity to work with the OSU Staff Physicians. Mona left the hospital to take a position with Tulsa County Medical Society (TCMS) where she worked for 25 years. She retired in 2019. For the last 10 years she was the Executive Director of the medical society and the TCMS Foundation. In 2012 she spearheaded the creation of Project TCMS, a program that provides specialty care to uninsured and underinsured residents in Tulsa County. When Mona retired in 2019, a total of $7 million in care had been provided at no charge to patients and with no reimbursement to the volunteer physicians. Mona and her husband, Mark, continue to have a passion for non-profit work that has enduring community impact.
WANTT is a 501(C) (3) organization.
Next training class starts in later in 2023. Check back to apply.
Get Involved
There are many ways for you to get involved:
Be a Participant - join our training for skill trades
Be a Donor - support us with in-kind, money, grants
Be an Employer - work with us to develop a program so that you'll employ our graduates
Be a Community Champion - you're our cheerleaders and gets the word out to Tulsa and the surrounding area