KAUKAUNA — Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 400, along with Mechanical Contractors Association of North Central Wisconsin, will once again host its annual women-focused career awareness event.
Event Details at a Glance:
- What: 4 Ways Forward: A Pipetrades Careers Awareness Fair for Women
- When: Feb. 24, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Where: 2700 Northridge Dr, Kaukauna, WI 54130
- Cost: Free to attend; space is limited, please register in advance
Now in its fifth year, this landmark event, 4 Ways Forward, A Pipetrades Careers Awareness Fair for Women, provides a dedicated space for women to explore high-paying, high-impact careers in Plumbing, Steamfitting, HVAC/R Service, and Pipe Fabrication.
This year’s fair serves as a strategic precursor to Women in Construction Week (March 1-7), highlighting the union’s year-round commitment to diversifying the workforce and closing the gender gap in the skilled trades.
For many women in the Fox Valley and beyond, the pipetrades offer a solution to the “hamster wheel” of dead-end jobs. With a focus on equal pay, exceptional benefits, specialized training, and six-figure earning potential, without the debt of a degree, UA Local 400 is paving the way toward impactful careers with unlimited potential, according to a news release.
“Our mission with ‘4 Ways Forward’ has always been about more than just recruitment; it’s about showing women that there are countless opportunities available for them in the trades,” said Lea Sevald, event coordinator said in the news release. “In the last four years of hosting this event, we’ve seen women of varying ages and backgrounds transition from stagnant jobs into thriving, lifelong careers where they can provide for themselves and their families.”
Event Highlights:
• Demonstrations: Observe firsthand the tools and technology used in modern plumbing, steamfitting, HVAC/R service, and pipe fabrication
• Expert Panels: Meet current female apprentices and journeyworkers who have successfully navigated the industry
• Pathway Guidance: Learn about the “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship model that eliminates the need for student loans
• Networking: Connect directly with contractors and union leadership
UA Local 400 anticipates a diverse cohort of attendees, ranging from veterans transitioning to civilian life and stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce to students contemplating careers and hands-on problem solvers searching for a workplace pivot. The event is structured to demonstrate that, regardless of professional history, UA Local 400 provides a viable and specialized career path forward for every participant.
More details regarding the event are available at https://UA400.org/News/Events/4WF. The event is free, but registration is still encouraged, as space is limited.
About UA Local 400: Headquartered in Kaukauna, WI, Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 400 represents over 2,600 highly skilled pipetrades professionals across 18 counties in Northeast Wisconsin. Affiliated with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, UA Local 400 is committed to providing training, advocacy, and workforce development for plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC/R service, and pipe fabrication professionals who serve more than 100 signatory contractors throughout the region. +1
Learn more at www.UA400.org.
