Breaking Ground — Celebrating the Inaugural “She Builds Construction” Cohort
Breaking Ground — Celebrating the Inaugural “She Builds Construction” Cohort At the National Skilled Trades Network (NSTN), we are committed to diversifying the job site and ensuring that the high-earning potential of the construction industry is accessible to everyone. Under the leadership of Executive Director Michelle Watts, we took a major step toward this goal in early 2025 with the launch of She Builds Construction, an all-women’s skilled trades program designed to empower a new generation of female builders. Success by the Numbers: The First Cohort The inaugural cohort of She Builds Construction consisted of six dedicated women who enrolled in the rigorous NCCER Core program. This foundational curriculum is the industry gold standard, covering everything from construction math and hand tools to safety and blueprint reading. 100% Graduation Rate: On May 17, 2025, all six women successfully completed the program, earning their industry-recognized NCCER credentials. Immediate Economic Impact: Demonstrating…
Women in Construction: Why Join the Workforce?
Women in Construction Women in Construction: Why Join the Workforce? When you think of a construction site, you might envision hard hats, safety goggles, and heavy machinery. But who do you picture using these tools? For many, the image is often a male-dominated crew. However, this is changing rapidly. The construction industry today is becoming more diverse, with women making significant strides. According to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), women accounted for 1.5% of the total U.S. workforce in 2018. This number is steadily increasing, and if you’re considering joining this field, here are six reasons why it’s a great choice. 1. Reduced Pay Gap NAWIC research indicates that women in construction earn 99.1% of what their male counterparts make for the same job. While 100% parity is the goal, this figure is still impressive compared to the broader workforce, where women earn only 81.1% of what…