In 2023, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) conducted interviews with 176 tradeswomen and analyzed 770 responses to a survey directed to women in the industry. The results were compiled into a white paper, In Her Own Words: Improving Project Outcomes, which was designed to assist employers with recruiting, hiring and retaining women in craft positions.

NCCER’s goal was to go beyond the numbers and statistics that are typically presented in research about women in construction. The white paper highlights the unique benefits women bring to the construction workforce and the obstacles they encounter getting in and staying in the industry.

“The U.S. economy is at a critical juncture. We need to re-shore manufacturing, decarbonize energy and upgrade our infrastructure,” said Boyd Worsham, CEO of NCCER. “As we continue to struggle in building a workforce to fulfill these needs, we must recognize that we are not effectively appealing to the largest percentage of the population — women — in our recruiting and retention efforts.”

As a follow up to In Her Own Words: Improving Project Outcomes, NCCER compiled the recommendations to assist contractors with recruiting and retaining women in the construction industry. This new publication, In Her Own Words: A Call to Action From the Field, highlights actionable items that contractors can take to build more inclusive projects and companies. 

“With an expected shortage of 1.9 million craft professionals through 2025, there is tremendous opportunity for women to get involved in an industry that offers competitive wages, benefits, and career growth,” said Jennifer Wilkerson, NCCER Vice President of Innovation and Advancement. “If we want construction careers to be a viable option for all people, we have to change the culture and perception of our industry, starting with our own projects.”

Opportunities exist to help create a more inviting and supportive environment for women in construction. NCCER’s research identified seven main action items contractors can start implementing to improve recruitment and retention of women in the industry. These recommendations range from parent parking on large project sites to accommodations for mothers. The call-to-action guide offers specific, straightforward and measurable tactics companies can apply to support women in the construction workforce. 

The complete white paper, In Her Own Words: Improving Project Outcomes, and the call-to-action guide, In Her Own Words: A Call to Action From the Field, are available for free at https://www.nccer.org/women-in-construction/.