SUN VALLEY, CA (May 4, 2024) – The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, in conjunction with IBEW Local 18, hosted the 2nd annual Women’s Career and Wellness Expo Saturday which drew more than 2,500 attendees. Job seekers, LADWP staff, students, families, and members of the local community gathered at the utility’s Truesdale Training Center to learn about LADWP jobs and benefits and enjoy healthy lifestyle activities. The event aims to highlight career opportunities in the utility industry, especially for women, and the many employee initiatives and programs that help support work-life balance and the women in the workplace.
The Truesdale Training Center – a facility where line workers are trained – was the perfect place to host the many live demonstrations that happened throughout the day. From helicopters to heavy equipment to electrical pole climbing, attendees were treated to a visual, hands-on look at the incredible and varied day-to-day work of LADWP staff. Many LADWP employees from various classifications were also on-hand to offer information and inspiration to anyone interested in fulfilling, secure civil service jobs while contributing to the City of Los Angeles.
“I am so proud to have LADWP Women’s Career & Wellness Expo in Sun Valley this year,” said Councilmember Imelda Padilla, District 6. “As someone who helped establish the Women’s & Girls Initiative with the County of Los Angeles, it is really exciting to see LADWP’s commitment to increasing the representation of women in jobs where they have been historically under-represented. With today’s Expo, we aren’t just creating more access to great jobs at LADWP, we are also increasing economic and leadership opportunities for women across Los Angeles.”
Board of Water and Power Commission President Richard Katz stated, “LADWP has many green jobs, providing opportunities to work on sustainability and environmentally relevant initiatives like energy and water conservation and green energy. These jobs are a vital part of moving Los Angeles toward our goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy and a sustainable local water supply. This event allows many of our community members to meet our staff and learn how they too can join our highly committed workforce and serve our great city.”
LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin Adams commented, “Events like the Women’s Expo highlight the value of the women in our workforce, and showcase the many LADWP career opportunities for women, especially in much-needed fields like utility trades and STEM. This event also emphasizes our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by providing opportunity and promoting union jobs where every worker is paid equally, no matter who they are.”
“IBEW Local 18 continues to support the 2nd Annual Women’s Career and Wellness Expo and great accomplishments of the women in the department and local 18,” said Gus Corona, IBEW Local 18 Business Manager.
At many career booths, staff from dozens of LADWP divisions shared details about their roles and info on how to apply for jobs like theirs. Careers represented ranged from professional fields like Personnel and Customer Service to skilled crafts that are less traditional for women, like Instrument Mechanic, Heavy Duty Truck Operator, and Electrical Mechanic.
In the wellness area, Expo goers learned about the benefits of working with LADWP, including health plans, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, and retirement plans. Kids attending with their parents enjoyed activities like rock climbing and facepainting, and everyone enjoyed a dance party with DJs.
LADWP hosted the Women’s Career and Wellness Expo in partnership with IBEW Local 18 and the LADWP Women’s Council employee Resource Group. For more information, visit the event webpage at www.LADWP.com/women.
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