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(ARA) - Currently, women workers make up nearly 10 percent of the construction industry or more than 900,000 nationally. No longer restricted by gender stereotypes, women are working as architects, engineers, project managers, masons, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, welders and in other construction careers. As the industry looks increasingly to women workers as a viable solution to labor shortages, the number of women in construction continues to rise - building an even richer and more distinguished history. Inevitably, the face of the construction industry work force is changing. It is up to industry leaders to recognize this change and reach out to the rising number of women entering positions once occupied only by men.
According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), between 1995 and 2003, the number of women in construction increased 18 percent, growing from 762,000 to 975,000. However, this number accounts for less than 10 percent of the more than 9 million men employed in the construction industry in 2003. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Current Population Survey, women accounted for only 9.6 percent of the entire construction industry work force in 2003.
NAWIC works with its partners such as Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration and more, to advance the status of women working in the construction industry. Construction associations and companies across the United States are now implementing programs that encourage women to consider careers in construction.
A labor shortage of 250,000 workers per year is predicted for the next four years - that’s more than one million missing workers by 2009. Women represent an untapped resource with unlimited power - the industry must begin to recognize the changing face of construction and reach out to women to fill the inevitable void.
Women can fill this void by expanding their minds through continued education courses and construction-related certifications. The NAWIC Education Foundation, in conjunction with Clemson University, offers three certifications: Certified Construction Associate, Construction Document Specialist and Construction Industry Technician. The Foundation also offers an “Introduction to Construction” course and environmental health and safety courses through Summit Training. Online business-related courses designed to further women’s roles professionally will also be offered through NAWIC in the future.
Another avenue for increasing women’s involvement in the industry is by introducing them to the work force through apprenticeship programs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprenticeship programs are designed to provide the skilled workers needed to compete in a global economy. By definition, “apprenticeship” is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Joint employer and labor groups, individual employers and/or employer associations usually sponsor apprenticeship programs.
NAWIC has helped women in the construction industry for 50 years. The association hopes to continue to live up to its core purpose: to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. Through its programs, NAWIC offers opportunities for networking, mentoring, education and career advancement. To learn more, visit NAWIC’s web site at www.nawic.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
