The construction industry, traditionally perceived as a male-dominated field, is witnessing a remarkable transformation as women continue to carve out significant roles and make substantial contributions.
Women in Construction Week 2024, running from March 3rd to 9th, serves as a pivotal moment to highlight and celebrate the invaluable presence and achievements of women in this sector.
Breaking New Ground: Women in Construction Week 2024
Women in Construction Week is not just a celebration but a powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness about the myriad opportunities available for women in the construction industry. It’s a time to recognize and honor the contributions of women who are actively shaping some of the country’s most exciting and innovative projects.
Beth Sayman, VP Account Manager for Skanska, emphasizes the significance of this week as a golden opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the women making strides in this field. She notes that the construction industry offers a wealth of career paths that might not immediately come to mind for women, from skilled trades like electricians and carpenters to roles in project management, estimating, accounting, marketing, and business development:
- “It’s a great opportunity to recognize the women in this industry — because it’s not necessarily an industry we always think about as an opportunity for women, but there are great careers here. So it really spotlights what the industry has to offer women in terms of employment.”
- “There’s a breadth of opportunities in construction no matter what you’re interested in.”
A Spectrum of Opportunities
The construction industry’s broad spectrum of career opportunities is one of its most appealing aspects. Whether you’re interested in hands-on fieldwork, administrative roles, or positions in business development and sales, there’s a place for you in construction.
Elizabeth Wallace, a prominent figure in the industry, shares her unique journey from studying fashion in college to ascending the ranks in construction, highlighting the industry’s openness and the diverse pathways available:
- “We celebrate Women in Construction every year. It’s really important for us to get out in the market and make sure women know about all opportunities — from project conception all the way to installation. There’s so many opportunities, whether it’s on the administrative side, the business development side, out in the field.”
- “I actually studied fashion in college, so I never ever thought this is what I’d be doing. I just got connected when I was 21 right out of college, and I worked my way up. I was a showroom manager, I was a project manager for about 5 years and now I’m on the business development and sales side.”
Supporting Growth and Balance
One of the key aspects of Women in Construction Week is the emphasis on the supportive environment the industry offers. It’s not just about career advancement; it’s also about fostering a work-life balance and creating a community where women can thrive professionally and personally.
This annual celebration is crucial for outreach, ensuring women are aware of the opportunities from project conception to installation and every step in between.
Addressing Industry Needs
Women currently constitute nearly 11% of the workforce in the construction sector, playing a vital role in addressing labor shortages. As the industry continues to grow, attracting and retaining more women is essential to meeting the demand for skilled labor.
The Associated Builders and Contractors highlight the urgent need for the construction industry to attract an additional 500,000 workers in 2024 to keep pace with labor demands, underscoring the critical role women play in this equation.
Looking Ahead
Women in Construction Week 2024 is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action for young women, industry leaders, and stakeholders to recognize and leverage the potential of women in construction. As we spotlight the achievements and opportunities for women in this field, we also look forward to a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of the construction industry, driving innovation and excellence.
Join us in celebrating Women in Construction Week 2024, acknowledging the remarkable women who are building the future and paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in construction.
