Spotlight on Women in Construction


BY CAROL EATON M


arch 6-12, 2022 is Women in Construction week in the United States. The yearly observance, begun 62 years ago by a chapter of the National


Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), highlights the contributions of women and the many well-paying career opportunities available to them in this essential industry. Currently, women make up just 11% of the total


construction workforce – a demographic that has been slow to change even though construction careers offer earnings well above many other market sectors. Te industry’s ongoing workforce shortage only amplifies the need to attract more women into a wide array of construction jobs. Tere are some signs that the needle may be starting


to move, however, particularly for the younger gener- ation of workers. A 2020 study by SmartAsset, “Fastest-Growing Jobs for


Women in the United States,” analyzed U.S. Department of Labor statistics and found that three categories of con- struction jobs ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing occupations for women from 2015-2019. Construction managers, construction and maintenance painters and construction laborers all showed more than 50%


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR MARCH-APRIL 2022


increases in the total number of women working in those job sectors over those years. In its 2021 report, SmartAsset listed female civil engi-


neers, construction managers and carpenters among its top 20 ranking of the “Fastest-Growing Jobs for Women in the United States.” from 2016-2020. Backing that up, a 2021 survey of approximately 700 women in construction by NAWIC and Safe Site Check reported that a vast majority (over 70%) believed op- portunities for women in construction are on the rise. NAWIC noted that the gender pay gap is “significantly smaller” than other industries, with women in con- struction reportedly earning around 99% of their male counterparts. So what is the state of the market for women in con-


struction in California in 2022? California Constructor sought input from three standout AGC members at different stages of their careers. Mercy Canul, Kasie Bowden and Wendy Cohen shared their journeys and challenges they have faced, where they have turned for support and mentorship, and what advice they would offer young women just starting out in the industry or considering a career in construction.


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