Comparative Literature Major Starts Life ANEW

“It was like Christmas to me, putting on that harness and suiting up for the job.” —Karen Lawton

I have always been a physical, “get it done with my hands” kind of girl. I played sports my whole life and feel caged when I sit in front of a computer too long. That is what lead me to the trades and all of the career and leadership opportunities that construction has to offer.

Unlike most of the Journey people I work with, I got into the trades after I graduated from the University of Washington, where I majored in Comparative Literature and Cinematic Studies. Knowing in 2010 that the tech industry was booming, I applied for a few tech positions before graduating. I accepted an offer working as a licensing coordinator for a Microsoft vendor company. I realized within three years that tech working life just wasn’t for me.

I was restless, so I kept trying different hobbies. Eventually, I landed on the Seattle Majestics women’s tackle football team, where I met a union ironworker.

She had a passion about her work that you could see in her eyes, so I had to learn more. She recommended a pre-apprenticeship called ANEW (A Non-Traditional Employment for Women). This is a 12-week program that teaches basic trade skills such as tool use, material handling, math, fitness, and presentation skills.

ANEW introduces women of all ages and backgrounds to all the local trades such as electricians, sheet metal workers, roofers, carpenters, ironworkers, etc.

I remember thinking it was quite a leap from making pretty good money in tech to going through an unpaid, 12-week course. However, I am so glad I took the risk — my curiosity and tenacity paid off.

ANEW took our team on multiple jobsite walks with local contractors so we could ask questions, get exposure, and get more familiar with construction. On one of these walks, I asked our guide and safety manager from Turner Construction a few questions. The next day, I found out the same person was going to be on a panel for mock interviews that ANEW set up. After the interviews, Turner took my resume and I was called the next day.

I had gravitated to carpentry and couldn’t wait to get started. Turner paid for all my tools, a tool box, my belt, and, when I showed up my first day, they fitted me for a harness.

It was like Christmas to me, putting on that harness and suiting up for the job.

On the first day, my foremen and team were welcoming, but pretty cautious. There was only one other woman on the entire jobsite building a 13-story tower — I was green as grass. My first day involved moving soaked plywood covered in monokote (fireproofing) to different locations on the job.

I was covered head to toe in drywall dust, monokote, and sawdust. But I don’t think my grin could have been any bigger.

Fast forward about four years after I helped construct two more towers in the greater Seattle area. I had learned how to build loading docks, concrete formwork, framing, door installation, set cabinets for kitchens/bathrooms, baseboard/trim, and layout with survey. About a month before I was supposed to Journey out, I was approached in the field by the lead estimator for Seattle. He learned of my background and wanted to know if I would like to learn model based estimating. I knew this was an opportunity I had to explore so I agreed and through the next year, I learned construction programs such as Sketchup and Archi-Cad.

These programs make 3D models of buildings for processing concrete calculations, formwork, and overall logistics. However, I became a bit restless again sitting in front of a computer. I jumped on an opportunity to be a self perform engineer for a special school for hard-of-hearing children. In that role, I learned how to manage subcontractors, contracts, print reading, logistics, cost of materials, submittals for materials, quality control and closeout of the project. The experience was invaluable and one of the steepest learning curves I had ever climbed. After being an engineer, I knew I was ready for the next challenge.

I became an assistant superintendent for the self-perform scope (concrete) for a 44-story tower in Bellevue, Wash. This was going to be the tallest in the city. I have been on this site for about three years and have most importantly learned mentorship and leadership. My senior superintendent reminds us all that “buildings are built by people.”

My professional journey has created such an amazing opportunity for me and the women around me every day. I now host “sister lunches” where I have all the trade ladies and female office staff come together in a judgment-free space where we ask questions, learn from each other’s experience, and create a community of support/mentorship.

This is my new passion. Sharing and bolstering up women across all professions.

But more exclusively in construction, where we still are quite a minority. I was one of two women onsite when I started. On my current site, I am now one of 30. It’s an amazing feeling to see how the construction tide is flowing. And knowing how construction is growing, I am extremely excited for what the future holds for me and all my sisters.

About the Author: Karen Lawton graduated from ANEW and is now an assistant superintendent at Turner Construction Company.