Idaho Business Review
Idaho Women in Trades and Transportation at a Glance
Women's presence in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction and transportation is increasing.
Despite progress, there's still a significant wage gap between men and women in these sectors, with women earning 31.4% less on average in construction.
Training programs and initiatives are contributing to the rise in female workers in trades, although wage gaps remain a concern.
Some women are using jobs in construction as a pathway to advancement within the industry, like Morgan Galway becoming an apprenticeship coordinator.
[/box]
There was a time when the presence of a woman on a construction site was almost unheard of. Nowadays, more and more women are taking on roles in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The Idaho Department of Labor cited a report by the U.S. Census Bureau that showed women make up 20% of construction works in the Gem State. That number has grown only 8% in the last 32 years. Though numbers are increasing in the trades thanks to training programs and other initiatives, wage gaps are still a concern.
According to the Dept. of Labor , men working in construction in Idaho earn an estimated $60,228 per year and women earn $45,852 or 31.4% less.
“Men traditionally make more in almost every industry,” said Jan Roeser , labor economist for the southwestern Idaho region. “Looking at construction and transportation, you usually see a 25-30% wage gap. However, turnover is lower for women in construction, and we continue to see wage growth and more women working in this industry.”
Some women have used construction worker jobs as stepping stones to advance their careers in the industry. Such was the case for Morgan Galway , who is now the apprenticeship coordinator for the Dept. of Labor .
According to a release from the Dept. of Labor , Galway used to work in granite fabrication as the only woman in a crew of 50. The value she saw in the industry, no matter if someone is a man or woman, led her to advance her career.
“You can’t grow if you don’t step outside of your comfort zone,” she said. “Stepping into construction gave me the confidence to move into other industries and positions knowing that I brought a different and valuable perspective to the table.”
Different training programs through the Dept. of Labor and elsewhere also make it possible for women to enter the transportation sector or many trades.
In the transportation industry, the Idaho Transportation Department offers the Idaho Career Opportuniries Next in Construction (ICONIC) program. The program allows state residents to receive training in heavy equipment operation, concrete masonry, carpentry, truck driving and mechanic trades.
Out of 105 graduates of the program for the past few years, ITD reported, 80% have found careers in highway construction within 45 days.
Jessika Doglietto , who once lived in her car in Alaska , participated in the ICONIC program, which led her to a career as a heavy equipment operator. She now earns more than $100,000 a year.
“I’ve had women reach out after the training and express their gratitude because they are single mothers of two children who used to work two jobs,” she said. “They could barely makes ends meet. Now, they make enough money to not work two jobs. They’re saving money and their lives are significantly better.”
The College of Western Idaho offers programs to gain credentials in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry (HVAC), and though there are only about 3,000 workers in that industry in the state, women are still entering its workforce.
“I never thought I would be in this industry,” said Charity Nicholson , a first-year HVAC apprentice with Western Heating and Air Cooling, who is also currently attending CWI to earn her credentials. “I started out with no skills, but between on-the-job training and schooling, I’m heading there. I am learning about electricity, heating and air, and I recommend any female to get into the trades.”
Many apprenticeships exist in not only HVAC but in plumbing, welding, electrical and other industries. Roeser said most employers are looking for “soft skills” when filling those roles.
“Examples include skills like critical thinking, a solid work ethic, being on time, caring about the job and so much more,” she said.
Those interested in apprenticeships within several different industries can find more than 100 opportunities at apprenticeship.gov , and employers seeking to sponsor an apprenticeship program can find more information on the Dept. of Labor’s website.
Copyright © 2024 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.