FACT: In 2016 women made up only 9.1% of the construction workforce in the U.S.
FACT: Construction jobs are expected to grow between 11% and 32% over the next five years in West Michigan.
FACT: The gender pay gap is much narrower in construction. In the U.S. women in all industries earn on average 81.1% of what men do. In construction the average is 95.7.
The construction industry is a virtually untapped source of high-demand, well-paying jobs for women. Women in Construction Week focuses on raising awareness of the opportunities available in construction and emphasizing the growing role of women in the industry.
Is a career in construction right for you?
- Do you enjoy making repairs (painting, fixing appliances, etc.)?
- Does it give you satisfaction to see the result of your work?
- Do you enjoy math and solving technical problems/puzzles?
- Do you like to work or play outside, even in cold and hot weather?
- Can you work at heights or in confined spaces? Can you work in places that may be extremely noisy, dirty, hot, cold, wet or smelly?
- Are you safety conscious?
- Can you cope with being the only, or one of just a few, women on a job site?
- Do you have the ability to meet rigid attendance requirements (reliable childcare, transportation, etc.)?
If you can answer yes to some of these questions, a career in construction could be a good fit for you. Consider learning more about construction jobs and training programs in your area.
Where do I begin?
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a variety of construction trades training opportunities. They have job training programs in Introduction to Construction, Residential Construction and Construction Electrical. GRCC also offers a variety of continuing education programs in construction and a U.S. Department of Labor registered Construction Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
Michigan Works! has connections to local training opportunities and you may even qualify for financial assistance. Visit a West Michigan Works! service center near you to find out more and if you qualify.
To see a list of high-demand construction jobs in West Michigan, check out the 2019 Hot Jobs List at westmiworks.org/hot-jobs.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
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