10 Reasons Why Women Should Work in Constructionfeatured
Can women work in construction?
In short, the answer is yes. Working in construction provides an opportunity to join an in-demand industry with a consistent opportunity to progress and succeed. Surprisingly, women currently represent a small fraction of the construction workforce. After learning the advantages for women working in construction, you’ll wonder why more women aren’t seizing the opportunities offered by this field.
What Does it Mean to Work in Construction?
Construction is a broad term with a lot of options to explore. Essentially, it involves working in the sector of the economy that deals with our buildings, structures, roads, and bridges. Depending on your strengths and interests, you have the chance to engage in planning, designing, or the hands-on process of building itself. You might find yourself working for a mammoth corporation or a nimble one-person operation, either in the private or public sector.
Reflecting on your strengths and conducting a bit of research can guide you toward your ideal path. Here’s the exciting part: the construction industry has a huge variety of roles and careers tailored to your abilities. Here are a few examples of potential jobs in the construction industry:
- Architect
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Drywaller
- Painter
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Mason
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- HVAC Technician
- Building Inspector
- Landscaper
That’s a lot of options! Clearly, a job in the construction industry can lead you down many different pathways.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s get into why women should work in construction.
- Enjoy a Small Gender Pay Gap
The construction industry boasts one of the country’s smallest gender pay gaps. Unlike other industries, this sector rewards performance and skill above all else. If you’re a woman diving into construction, grow your expertise, show up with confidence, and complete the tasks given to you. You’ll find that your paycheck follows suit.
- Help Fill the High Demand for Skilled Labor
Looking for job security? You’re on the right track. The construction industry continues to grow while also faced with a serious skilled labor shortage. With fewer newcomers entering the field and an aging workforce heading to retirement, the gap in labor keeps widening. Women stand in a unique position to step in and bridge this gap, not only securing their own futures but also blazing a trail for generations of women to come.
- Opportunity for Self-Employment
If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and yearn for the chance to call the shots, the construction industry might be your calling. Imagine the freedom of creating your own schedule and having the final say in all your business decisions. And the best part, as you sharpen your abilities and hone your craft, you have the power to command higher rates for your work. Earn an income boost as your expertise grows.
- Financial Rewards
Working in construction means the potential for better pay than in other industries. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the median income for construction workers is higher than the national average by a considerable margin. Construction wages are also rising faster than national wages, with specialized trades facing the highest increase every year.
In construction, your journey up the income ladder is based on your performance and skills, not where you graduated from. That means, regardless of your background, you have the opportunity to build a great living by working in construction.
- Breaking Stereotypes
Be a trailblazer! With only 11% of the construction industry made up of women, you have the opportunity to pave the way for change in an important field. By showing up with confidence and competence, you can help change perceptions. Break the stereotype that construction is an industry for men. Be a mentor and role model while showing yourself and others that women are just as capable and resilient as men. When people ask, ‘Can women work in construction?’ Your example will provide a resounding yes!
- Earn Physical Strength
Working a physically demanding job means more than building structures — it’s an opportunity to empower yourself. As you navigate tasks that require resilience and endurance, you’ll earn new levels of strength. Honing your physical capabilities fosters a sense of accomplishment and determination, breaking down barriers for yourself and other women. Gaining physical strength and self-reliance is one of the many advantages for women working in construction that extends beyond the job site, offering benefits in your everyday life.
- Experience Job Satisfaction
Working in construction brings together a special blend of rewards and job satisfaction. Picture this: you get to see and feel the results of your work when you wrap up a project. Imagine stepping back and admiring a new building or spruced-up kitchen, knowing you played a part in making it happen. You’ll experience true pride knowing you helped transform an idea into a finished product.
Along the way, you have the opportunity to hone and perfect your skill set. Construction is a process of constant learning and adapting as you master your abilities. With room to constantly improve and gain efficiency, you’ll find that the construction industry is rarely boring.
- Faster Entry, Bigger Returns
Many trades in the construction industry don’t demand the lengthy and expensive education of four-year programs. That means you can dive into the workforce quicker and start earning a solid income faster. On top of that, most trades pay you as you learn, with the opportunity for higher pay after training. This means you can save time, earn more money, and avoid student debt. Working in construction allows you to seize control of your education and skills in your own way.
- Down-to-Earth Industry
Say farewell to those dry-clean-only suits, the heels that pinch, and the lengthy process of doing your hair and makeup every day (unless you’re totally into it, of course). Embracing the functionality of the construction site means cutting down your morning routine and ditching the need to dress up.
Here’s the beauty: you get to focus on being your true self and establish a reputation as a powerhouse, proving your strength and capability in action.
- Pathways to Progression
The construction industry is often called the “great equalizer” because everyone has a way in and a path forward to succeed. Career progression is typically based on merit and consistency and plays to your strengths. This means you can succeed regardless of your background, education, race, and gender.
In fact, 44% of women in the industry hold managerial positions according to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). Construction provides ample opportunity for skill enhancement and specialization. You have the opportunity to learn what you’re good at and pursue a role in that field. Whether you’re drawn to project management, leadership roles, technical expertise, or even entrepreneurship, the construction industry offers an expansive range of avenues for growth.
Wrapping Up Why Women Should Work In Construction…
The construction industry’s doors are wide open. The opportunity is ready and waiting for a new generation of women to lay down the foundation for successful careers.
In a largely male-dominated field, the question still lingers: Can women work in construction? With more women earning their place in the industry and finding success, the answer becomes more and more clear. Their empowerment, diversity, and innovation are changing the story and creating a more welcoming future for the construction industry.
Citations:
National Association of Home Builders:
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