Transforming Lives Through Careers in the Trades
Renee Jones’ career path has taken her from social services to the electrical trade and back to community work–now as director of programs at Chicago Women in Trades. Her unique perspective bridges different worlds, making her a powerful advocate for women seeking economic independence through careers in the construction industry.
Q: How did you come to work in the trades?
I graduated from college in the ’80s and started working in social services. I wanted to make an impact in my community, so I joined Bethel New Life as a community development specialist. One weekend, we volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. I spent that Saturday helping with construction in one of the homes, working alongside electricians who taught me the basics, like pulling wires, connecting them to devices, and putting wire nuts on.
The electricians noticed my aptitude and suggested I consider becoming an electrician. Initially, I thought, “I’m a college graduate. I don’t need to do construction.” But I enjoyed the work, and when they told me how much they earned compared to my salary (while I still had student loans), it made me reconsider my options. They mentioned that training was free, which was appealing.
Two years later, after having my first child and taking time off, a friend told me about a pre-apprenticeship program. I enrolled at Midwest Women’s Center, similar to CWIT, and expressed interest in becoming an electrician based on my Habitat experience. After completing the program, I briefly worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad while waiting for the electrician apprenticeship to open. When it did, I left immediately—even though I had an opportunity to move into a management role at the railroad company.
Q: What was your experience like as an electrician?
I worked as an electrician for 16 years until the recession hit in 2008. I advanced in the field and eventually became a foreman on job sites. I truly enjoyed working with my hands and was proud of my accomplishments. But with one son in high school and another entering college, I couldn’t manage with inconsistent work. By 2011, I had to make a change to keep my house and support my family. It was difficult, but I needed stable employment to meet my family’s needs.
Q: How did you find out about Chicago Women in Trades?
After leaving the electrical trade, I became a case manager working with people with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. I eventually worked my way up to managing two departments.
When I first returned to professional work, I wondered why I had “detoured” into the trades. When applying for jobs, I would downplay my experience as an electrician and emphasize my earlier professional experience. I couldn’t figure out how to incorporate my trade experience into my professional narrative.
But when I applied for my current position at Chicago Women in Trades, everything finally aligned. For the first time, I could discuss my entire resume—being a GED instructor, working with people with mental health and developmental disabilities, and my experience as a tradeswoman. During the interview, I felt that all aspects of my background fit perfectly with this role.
Q: What’s most rewarding about your work?
I’m passionate about this work partly because it reflects my own journey but, more importantly, because I see the impact it has on families when women gain earning power. It empowers women to leave unhealthy situations. And women typically invest money in their families, which benefits entire communities. When we take someone from a disadvantaged community, give them trade skills, and they progress from apprentice to journey worker, they earn good wages throughout that process. They can provide food, clothing, and shelter for their children and build better lives. Some become homeowners—one woman who graduated just a couple of years ago now owns a three-unit apartment building. These opportunities change the entire trajectory of people’s lives.
I get goosebumps when people are accepted into the trades or pass a test. Even when they pass a math test in our class, I’m thrilled to see them transition from “I can’t” to “I can.” I felt that same joy when teaching GED classes and watching students master concepts they thought were beyond them.
When women develop skills to become electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, or any skilled trade, they build confidence. That confidence makes them better people, better mothers, better friends, and better partners. Seeing that transformation and hearing how their lives improve is incredibly rewarding.
When I worked in the trades, I earned enough to buy a house and despite occasional overtime, I was present for my children. Now, I see other women doing the same—earning good wages while maintaining a work-life balance.
Q: What should people know about Chicago Women in Trades?
We have a wonderful staff who share the same passion for this mission. It feels good knowing that we have employed people who understand what Chicago Women in Trades stands for and have fully bought into it. They celebrate with our students just as I do—crying, laughing, and jumping for joy when someone gets accepted into a program.
It’s not just me—we all share that commitment. Everyone cares deeply and works together to find solutions. When our students succeed, it touches all of our lives. I am proud of what we are accomplishing. I hope they know how much they’ve impacted us too.
