Adrienne Bennett: Breaking Barriers in the Plumbing Industry

February 24 2025

Media, Related Organizations, TAUC News, Unions

TAUC highlights Adrienne Bennett, a pioneer in the skilled trades and a champion for union apprenticeships. She made history as the first Black woman in the United States to earn a master plumber license.

Finding a Career in the Trades

Bennett’s journey into plumbing started unexpectedly. In 1976, at a Jimmy Carter election rally, a recruiter from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Detroit introduced her to a federally sponsored apprenticeship program for women and minorities. At the time, skilled trades were mostly male-dominated, and opportunities for women—especially Black women—were rare.

At 22, Bennett passed the admission test for the Plumbers’ Union, Local 98 and joined their five-year apprenticeship program. Union training provided her with the knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in the field. But success didn’t come easy.

Overcoming Challenges on the Job

Bennett was often the only woman on job sites, working long hours in tough conditions. She faced harassment and discrimination from some coworkers, but she refused to back down.

Despite these challenges, Bennett pushed forward. She completed her apprenticeship and, in 1987, after logging 4,000 hours of experience, she passed the master plumber exam—making her the first African American female master plumber in Michigan and the U.S.

Union Support and Career Growth

Bennett credits her success to the support and training she received through Plumbers’ Union, Local 98. Her union apprenticeship gave her the education, certifications, and real-world experience she needed to advance in her career. Over the years, she took on roles as a project manager, plumbing inspector, and code enforcement officer for the City of Detroit.

In 2008, she founded Benkari, LLC, a commercial plumbing and water conservation company, with her son, A.K. Bennett. Their company has taken on major projects, including the restoration of Detroit’s historic Michigan Central Station.

Advocating for Apprenticeships and Diversity in the Trades

Bennett is a strong advocate for union apprenticeships, especially for women and minorities. She emphasizes the importance of earning while learning, where apprentices can get hands-on training while being paid a competitive wage.

Today, she continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of skilled workers, proving that the trades offer incredible opportunities for those willing to work hard and persevere.