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Women in construction teach skills to girls from PACE Center

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The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC SW FL Chapter 297) recently hosted a series of mini-seminars for the PACE Center for Girls to introduce the girls to possible non-traditional careers in construction.

As part of Women in Construction Week – held March 1-7 – NAWIC Chapter members offered mentoring presentations and demonstrated construction skills practiced by them on job sites.

“They learned some basic construction principles, such as drywall repairs, electric, ceramic tiling and landscaping,” said Nancy Martins, NAWIC Chapter President. “Some of the girls made hole in drywall and then others volunteered to patch holes with drywall mud. Using trowels, they also learned to apply texture.”

The PACE Center for Girls is a nonresidential delinquency prevention program targeting the unique needs of girls 12 to 18 years old. In its two years in Fort Myers, the center has helped 152 girls.

“Our PACE students really enjoyed the hands – on experiences using hand and power tools and creating projects of their own,” added PACE Executive Director Debra Webb.

The Southwest Florida Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, has promoted construction trades for women through community outreach programs, in our area since 1986.