NCCER to Release Research on Recruiting Women to Construction Trades

by Marcy Marro | November 3, 2022 12:00 am

The National Center for Construction Education & Research[1] (NCCER) announces that it has completed focus group interviews with more than 200 women in the construction trades as part of an ongoing research project. The goal of the project is to provide guidelines to assist employers in attracting and retaining women as craft professionals for their construction firms. The final report will be published in March 2023 to celebrate Women in Construction Week.

“With an expected shortage of 1.9 million construction craft professionals through 2025, there is a 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. “This also presents an incredible opportunity for the construction industry to become the industry of choice for women.”

In support of NCCER’s efforts to promote women entering the construction industry, jewelry maker Kendra Scott has stepped up to assist with this impactful project. On November 12-13, 2022, purchases of Kendra Scott jewelry can help fund NCCER’s Women in Construction research and distribution of the results. Enter code GIVEBACK-CPLVC at checkout when shopping online at kendrascott.com[2], and 20% of the purchase will go to NCCER.

Select Kendra Scott store locations in Florida and Georgia are also participating in this give-back event on November 12 from 12 to 2 pm. Mention NCCER in store to participate in the promotion. Find additional details and store locations here[3].

Steps to remedying a two-fold problem

While women comprise 50% of the U.S. population, they represent only about 5% of the overall skilled construction craft workforce.

“This is a problem for the construction industry, because it is missing out on the unique skills women bring to the job site,” said Tim Taylor, NCCER’s Director of Research. “And it is a problem for women because they may be missing out on high paying and fulfilling careers.”

The construction industry has made significant progress in recruiting and retaining women in professional, managerial, and administrative segments of the construction industry, but has had less success in the craft segment.

“NCCER embarked on this research project to better understand why and to identify steps employers can take to change the situation,” said Taylor.

Among the topics for which information was gathered during the initial phase of the project include:

• What motivates women to enter the construction industry
• What advantages women bring to the job site
• What contractors can do to make opportunities appealing and available to women.

The second phase of the project entails data analysis, which is ongoing at this time.

“Initial results show that women bring a detail-oriented, safety and quality focused approach to the job site. For the women themselves, the work brings financial independence and empowerment,” said Taylor.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/news/industry-news/nccer-to-release-research-on-recruiting-women-to-construction-trades/

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