Cheryl Franklin, Construction Instructor,  Rising Sun  

Cheryl has served Rising Sun as Construction Instructor since March of 2022. 

She was nominated by her peers and the members of BAYWORK for her commitment to service and passion for women in the water and trades. 

BAYWORK proudly honors Women Operators, Mechanics, Technicians, and in other Trades.

As a Construction Instructor, Cheryl’s responsibilities include completing a hands on calendar for each cohort, teach the basics of tool identification, safe use of power tools, how to read basic blue prints and how to assemble small to large projects (from planter boxes to tiny homes. I also teach green construction, hire part-time instructors for carpentry skills, welding basics, and electrical basics. 

Length of time at your agency, and also in your career:

I have been with Rising Sun Center for Opportunities since March of 2022 and after my retirement from EBMUD in Jan. 2022. I started my trades career in a program similar to Rising Sun, when I graduated I joined OE Local 3 as a construction Inspector and later I applied for and was accepted to EBMUD’s wastewater Treatment Plant. I went in as an OIT and Journeyed Out within 3 years. I worked the Grave Shift and then became the Chief Steward for AFSME Local 444 representing approximately 650— 444 members. I was promoted to Construction Coordinator and oversaw 27 on site construction projects for the Operations department. I was further promoted to Asst Supervisor and then Supervisor of the swing shift crew where Jan 2022, I retired. 

List of Certifications (or technical training needed to do your work): 

Each of the steps from OE3 to Rising Sun has required its own technical training and certifications.. I received certifications in Concrete testing, rebar, stress tests, mortar masonry, batch plant, stress tests, and some building certifications. For EBMUD Wastewater Treatment Plant I completed a three year apprenticeship in two and a half years, OSHA, CPR, forklift training, backhoe training and State certification for OIT’s, Operator I’s and Operator II which were Grades 1 and II. Then I completed Grade III State tests for Construction Coordinator and Asst Supervisor and finally completed the State Grade IV certification for the Supervisor position.  

What interested you to pursue a career in the field?

I was interested in well paying careers and the ability to use my hands and my brain.  

What is your philosophy about women in water/trades? 

Philosophy about women in the trade is that they are desperately needed. Women have the ability to focus and center their skills to help other women attain the goals of educational, financial and technical skills that are necessary to be successful. We represent a smaller percentage of the skilled workforce than when I first entered the trades. We are unique today but need to be a normal not an unusual part of the skilled trades. 

Our committee is passionate about our mission and meets monthly to work on initiatives that support, recognize, and create more interest for women in our field.  If you are interested in learning more about the BAYWORK’s Women and Trades Committee and want to join in on the excitement, email WIT@baywork.org.