LANSING — State Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit) introduced House Resolution 95 this week to declare May 14-20, 2017, as Women in the Professional Trades Week in Michigan. The House passed the resolution by voice vote.

“It’s an exciting time. As more development is coming on line in Detroit and in Michigan, there are more opportunities for women to enter the skilled trades,” Love said. “A job in the skilled trades is an excellent path to a well-paying career.”

Nationwide, women occupy just 3 percent of professional trades jobs, compared to a 47 percent rate in all other fields. As the Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Workforce and Talent Development Committee, Love feels it’s important to encourage women to consider joining the skilled trades.

“The number of professional trades jobs in Michigan is expected to grow by 15,000 annually through 2024, which means there are plenty of opportunities to find good-paying careers,” Love said. “Since Rosie the Riveter and even before that, women have played an integral part in our economy. Now is a great time for women to strap on their tool belts and become plumbers, carpenters, electricians, pipefitters and more. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to highlight the women who are working in this field and to encourage more women and girls to consider it as a career option.”