Women in Construction
As a part woman-owned construction firm, we truly couldn’t function without the women of West Coast GBC! They are integral part of our success and have carved out a respected reputation that we hope will inspire more girls and women to enter into construction as well.
The women behind West Coast GBC (L-R) Silvia Garcia, Beth Piner, Fatima Abbas
The trades and construction industry have long been considered a male-dominated field, with women making up a significantly smaller percentage of the workforce. Progress in the last several decades has steadily increased the number of women in construction with an 11 consecutive year-on-year increase amounting to a 60.5% increase since 2012 (Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Despite this progress the numbers are still low and well-behind many industries, with only 1.3 million women making up 10.8% of the construction industry in 2023.
Increasing the participation of women in construction brings diverse perspectives, critical skills, and talent to the table. It also stands to reason that creating more pathways for women would have a significant impact on the skilled labor shortage crisis. In this article, we'll explore several strategies that the construction industry can implement to increase the representation of women.
1. Encourage Early Interest:
Master electrician, Norma from Christie Electric running wires on one of largest projects.
One of the crucial steps in increasing female representation in the construction industry is to encourage girls and young women to consider careers in construction from an early age. This can be achieved through educational outreach programs, apprenticeship and trade scholarships, partnerships with schools, and participation in events such as career fairs. Providing information about the diverse range of roles within the industry and highlighting successful women in construction can help inspire the next generation of female builders, engineers, architects, and project managers.
How we talk about and portray the construction industry can also be a powerful tool for shifting perceptions. This is one way in which social media can be leveraged for positive outreach. Many talented young out-of-the-box thinkers don’t recognize that a high level of artistry or a passion for math are valuable qualities that can translate into many different trades. We want young women to see themselves as carpenters, project managers and owners. College is not for everyone, but we don’t do enough as a society to show let alone value the alternative pipelines that can lead to successful lifelong careers.
We use our social media accounts to increase construction visibility by showing the effort, skill, and individual craftsmanship that goes into the building process of the stunning homes are seen in the magazines and along the coastlines.
2. Create Supportive Work Environments:
To attract and retain women in the construction industry, companies must foster supportive and inclusive work environments. This involves implementing policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and work-life balance. Flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, and initiatives to address unconscious bias can all contribute to creating an environment where women feel valued and supported in their careers.
We have welcomed more than one baby to our team over the years and understand that each family and individual is unique. Having a flexible maternity/paternity policy that allows working mothers in particular to transition back into their careers and find a healthy work/family balance is critical for retention and one of the ways to cultivate a healthier work culture for everyone.
3. Provide Training and Development Opportunities:
Sarah from McNulty Glass works on complex glass projects and installations at many of our job sites.
Investing in training and development opportunities for women already working in the construction industry is essential for career advancement and skill enhancement. This can include providing access to professional development programs, leadership training, and certifications. By investing in the growth and advancement of female employees, companies can help break down barriers to progression and ensure that women have equal opportunities for career development.
4. Address Gender Stereotypes and Bias:
Gender stereotypes and bias can create barriers to entry and advancement for women in the construction industry. Companies should actively work to challenge these stereotypes and create a culture of respect and inclusion. This can involve implementing diversity training for employees and raising awareness of unconscious bias. Leadership sets the tone and standard for a company, by consistently modelling a commitment to diversity and respect, everyone in a company understands what is expected of them.
5. Increase Visibility of Women in Leadership Roles:
Increasing the visibility of women in leadership roles within the construction industry is essential for inspiring future generations of female professionals and demonstrating that career advancement is possible. Companies only stand to gain when they actively promote and celebrate the achievements of women in leadership positions, both internally and externally. This can help challenge perceptions about gender roles in construction and encourage more women to pursue leadership opportunities.
6. Collaborate with Industry Partners:
Collaboration within the construction industry is key to driving meaningful change and increasing the representation of women. Companies can partner with industry organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to share best practices, develop initiatives to promote gender diversity, and advocate for policy changes that support women in construction. By working together, the industry can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all professionals.
At West Coast GBC we believe that increasing the representation of women in the construction industry is not only a matter of equity but also essential for driving innovation, improving productivity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry. By implementing the strategies outlined above, companies can create environments where women are empowered to thrive and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the construction workforce. Together, we can build a more diverse, inclusive, and successful construction industry for the future.