Women in the Construction Industry

We have all heard the horror stories of being the only woman employed by a company or the only female at a job site. In these situations, women sometimes are mistreated, and there are reports of some companies not even offering these women a restroom they can use while on the job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprised only 10 percent of the construction workforce across the U.S. in 2018. The Office of the New York State Comptroller reported that 43,500 construction jobs were added in the state’s construction sector from 2010 to 2018, which was a 40 percent growth. But, despite the growth in the field and the increase in jobs, the percentage of women in the construction workforce has leveled off – seeing only 3 percent growth from 2007 to 2017, they reported.

However, many of the women who have chosen to enter the construction field have excelled in their profession and recommend the field to other women. With determination, hard work, and proper training, the construction industry offers excellent opportunities for a successful career for women as well as men.

Tips for Women Entering the Construction Industry

If you are a woman interested in a career in the construction industry, you should learn from the best. Here are some tips:

• The first step in a successful career is to make sure you learn from experienced professionals. You want to start your job knowing how to safely and accurately handle the tasks.
• You should be confident, and don’t let anyone put you down or talk you down. After training, you are heading to the jobsite just as qualified as anyone else out there.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take the time to expand your knowledge and get a holistic view of the construction industry.
• Don’t be afraid to seek the skills that you want so you can take on other roles.

If you are ready to switch to the construction industry, call ATS (800) 383-7364.