Breaking the stereotypes of the construction industry, women are increasingly finding their footing and claiming their space within it. A flurry of initiatives, programs, and personal stories is weaving together the narrative of women's advancement in construction, painting it as not just necessary but vibrant.
Take, for example, the Massachusetts AGC's Build Her Mentorship program. Kicking off recently, this initiative pairs 30 women across various levels of experience with mentors to guide them through the multifaceted world of construction. Lisa Frisbie, who spearheaded the program, recounts, “I noticed the disparity immediately… I'd go to a golf tournament, there'd be 200 men and three women.” Her drive for change came from observing how isolated women within the industry felt, leading her to establish the Building Women in Construction Committee almost ten years ago.
Within this program, mentorship pairs are matched according to shared experiences, allowing for more personalized guidance. For nine months, these individuals will engage through workshops, check-ins, and activities aimed at bolstering camaraderie and confidence.
On the other side of the coin, Stacey Tompkins, who stepped from the world of corporate food service management to become the president of Tompkins Excavation, showcases another route paved for women. Her firm, now boasting $12 million in annual revenue, exemplifies how women can lead and thrive in high-stakes environments. “I was drawn to the challenges and rewards of the construction industry,” Tompkins explains her transition. This shift not only changed her career but also meant creating opportunities and spaces for other women.
The evolution of construction careers is also aiding economic prospects for women. An event by Massachusetts Girls in Trades (MA GIT) saw high school girls converge to explore career paths. Here, they received insight from powerful female figures, like Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch, who championed the skills women possess. “Women can do any job a man can,” she asserted. With union jobs offering starting wages between $18 and $22 per hour, construction is becoming more appealing as economic stability alters the job outlook for women.
Freedom from debt plays significantly here, with many young women feeling pressured to attend expensive four-year colleges. Alex Colonna, who transitioned from food service to contracting, wishes she had opted for such paths earlier, instead of facing the financial burden headed for college without graduating. “I want other girls to know they can do the same,” she said, proving trade skills provide tangible and rewarding careers.
Yet, the path for women hasn’t been without its hurdles. The percentage of women within the construction workforce dipped from 15.8 percent to 13.6 percent between Q2 2023 and Q2 2024, as recorded by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This decline accompanies the closure of organizations aimed at promoting gender equality, highlighting the pressing need for supportive structures. Freya Chapman, leading Mainmark UK’s Subsidence Solutions, calls for improved workplace environments. She advocates for flexibility and professional development opportunities for women, stressing, “The industry has faced many challenges… it’s important to diversify job roles.”
The discussion around diversity includes amplifying voices and visibility for all women, especially those from different cultural backgrounds. According to data from the newly released book The State of Registered Apprenticeship Training in the Construction Trades, women, Hispanic workers, and people of color show higher success rates within union-based apprenticeships compared to non-union programs. Yet, these programs face historical setbacks with participation stagnation and data inaccuracies hindering progress.
While some data looks grim, it’s important to note the efforts being made. Mentorship initiatives, workplace flexibility, and recruitment drives aim to uplift women and encourage them to enter or remain within the industry. The common theme? A network of support and encouragement is key. Rita Donayre Iturri, who joined the Build Her Mentorship program, articulated how diverse experiences shape the future. She said, “I can add significant value with the union of different cultures… we are working to improve some methods.”
It’s clear this isn’t merely about numbers on charts; it’s about people fostering communities. Elizabeth Henley, the Director of the Heartland Alliance’s Women’s Economic Development program, notes, “Having programs dedicated to women often leads to long-term solutions and sustained engagement.” More individuals are stepping out to mentor, advocate, and assert their presence, forging pathways for those who come after them.
So what lies on the horizon for women in construction? With initiatives like MA GIT paving the way, the future holds promise. Raising awareness through outreach programs and mentorship is creating pathways for women of all backgrounds to claim space within this traditionally male-dominated sector. “The industry is changing and it needs to continue to change,” emphasizes Freya Chapman. “There’s potential everywhere… and it lies in the hands of women who know how to build not just structures but bridges.”
It’s one thing to tell young women they can achieve their dreams; it’s another to create the means for them to pursue those goals actively. The stories sweeping through construction tell of resilience, hope, and most critically, change.
