Over the last few years, the construction industry has seen an increase in female employees in the field and the office. Men have typically dominated the industry. However, women are breaking down barriers and finding ways to close the gender gap.
The industry offers many opportunities for women. From working on a jobsite or in a shop, to supervising staff, leading departments, or running their own construction companies, women are essential contributors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry will add about 400,000 new jobs from 2020-2030, which will allow for growth and advancement for anyone seeking a career in the industry.
Despite the vast opportunities the construction industry offers, many companies worry about the ongoing labor shortage issues. Many people on the field are reaching retirement age, and there’s a deficit of young skilled workers ready to take their place. In addition, construction firms compete with other rising industries like healthcare, technology and engineering for younger workers. Trade-specific apprenticeship programs are finding creative ways to connect younger generations to career paths outside of the four-year college route and helping K-12 schools promote it with programs like welding and infusing STEM with construction education.
Women can take on any role in the construction industry and hold titles like architect, administrator, or project manager. Whether they’re wearing a hard hat or keeping things running behind the scenes, women bring value to the jobsite and the office with fresh perspectives. However, they are underrepresented in trade and executive positions. Statistics show that just under 87% of women working in construction hold office positions, and only about 2.5% of tradespeople are women. Women also only make up about 14% of staff executive and 7% of line executive positions.
Organizations like Transportation & Construction Girl are taking the lead in reaching young women before their last few years in high school to demonstrate the value they can have in the industry. As the construction industry looks for solutions to the growing workforce shortage problem, recruiting women appears to be one of the most viable and necessary to ensure long-term industry progress.
RK takes pride in fostering an environment that encourages men and women alike to learn from one another and strive for excellence in their craft, whether in the shop, a jobsite or in the office. The future is bright for young men and women looking to pursue a career in construction!
Written by Ileana Morales
How Women in Construction are Breaking Barriers in 2021, accessed March 4, 2022, Buildertrend
Women in Construction, accessed March 4, 2022, New England Institute of Technology
Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2022, accessed March 4, 2022, BigRentz, Inc.
How to Adapt to the Skilled Labor Shortage in Construction, accessed March 4, 2022, Propeller Aero
By: RK
Optimism is high for the construction industry in 2018, but as with any business, the reality of the challenges facing our field is a possibility and you need to stay prepared to weather the storm.
Here are a few tips to help your company remain competitive.
Issue: Skilled Trades Shortage
2017 saw a massive increase in the need for skilled workers, and 2018 is no different. Unfortunately, the industry is having difficulty finding skilled laborers to keep up with the demand. The shortage of skilled tradespeople means builders are facing the stark realization that in order to staff their job sites and stay competitive, they need to provide training, competitive wages and also be prepared to offer more overtime.
Tip:
- Implement creative recruiting strategies and apprenticeship programs to entice students to learn a trade rather than attend a traditional four-year university.
- Offer onsite job training, university credits as part of an apprenticeship program, and benefit packages to sweeten the deal.
Issue: Accelerated Schedules
Unfortunately, with soaring land and material costs, owners and developers are demanding faster construction time lines which leads to accelerated project schedules and places a strain on subcontractors.
Tip:
- Plan ahead. By creating a staffing plan and sticking to it, you will then be prepared to staff your job site during peak construction and avoid paying employees overtime.
Issue: Industry Bias
Graduating design students may feel as though the construction industry isn’t a line of business that will foster their design skills and put them to use. Although the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) was adapted at a leisurely pace, successful companies are investing money into building robust BIM departments. Graduating design students have the skillset necessary to fill these positions within the construction industry.
Tip:
- Recruit those graduating with design degrees that require basic skillset and knowledge needed to work in a CAD department. This sought after skill is also appealing to those graduating with a focused design degree from major universities while also guaranteeing more efficient work practices for employers.
RK understands that even when you face challenges, you still need high quality craftsmanship and skilled professionals to create accommodations that represent your company. For additional details on how we can assist you, please contact our sales team at 303.355.9696 and/or rksales@rkindustries.com.