Could There Be More Women in Construction?

As a HUBZone Certified Women-Owned Small Business, GET, LLC is priviliged to sit right at the construction industry table in this part of the world.  Each day, does not pass that we ask why are not more women in the field of construction?  As a recent editorial in the San Diego, California-based The Daily Transcript outlines, not many women take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of the construction field and have such high potential to close the gap in earnings as a part of this profession.  

Chief Financial Officer of Sherwood Mechanical William Smyth opined that as the American economy recovers from the recent recession, and construction jobs are becoming more plentiful from Maine to Guam USA, why aren’t more women pursuing opportunities in construction?

"Many women never even consider working in construction because of a lack of role models," wrote Smyth.  "The current absence of women craft professionals stamp construction as a boys-only club, a stubborn stereotype that isn’t true, but persists.

Other women are simply unaware there is a place for them in construction and that they are welcome in the profession. In the same Women’s Policy Research study, out of 200 women surveyed, only one said she learned anything about careers in construction from a high school counselor. Two others learned about their opportunities at a regional job-training center.

Lack of recruiting and exposure to construction trades plus persistent stereotyping and the lack of role models add up to a serious concern for the construction industry."

Smyth gives much credit to the the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for helping change this situation.  

As a proud member of NAWIC, GET, LLC recognizes that this discussion is not a new one-in fact this topic has been at the forefront of construction professionals minds for over 60 years.  It is the awareness by these small business owners and construction professionals that continues to break the stereotypes. NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training and public service-the Guam Chapter is no different.

"Thanks to the economic recovery, the construction industry nationwide added 20,000 jobs in August, which boosted employment in the industry to a five-year high," wrote Smyth.  "At the same time, unemployment among builders and crews fell to its lowest level in seven years, a combination that has builders in some areas delaying or turning away projects because they can’t staff up fast enough. There has never been a greater opportunity for groups across the construction industry to reach the common goal of advancing the roles of women in the workplace."

We agree.  

Like Mr. Smyth, GET,LLC encourages our industry leaders, educators, career counselors, advocacy groups like NAWIC and parents all over the Country to give young women the opportunity to explore careers in construction-when this happens everyone benefits.

For more information on NAWIC and the efforts of the Guam Chapter feel free to contact us at 671-797-0789.  GET, LLC is a proud member of NAWIC and stand in support of enhancing the success of women in the construction industry.