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Between the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry has suffered a few setbacks in the last decade, resulting in a loss of skilled workers. However, recovery efforts are underway, aided by a rebounding economy, high demand for homes, and several recent initiatives to boost jobs. 

These initiatives include the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation Reduction Act. 

Of course, construction has long been a male-dominated industry. Currently, only about 11% of the industry workforce is female, with only about 4% of those women working in skilled trades, specifically. With the construction industry in desperate need of an influx of skilled workers, the Department of Commerce is taking steps to make women a bigger part of the workforce — primarily with the Million Women in Construction initiative. 

What Is the Million Women in Construction Initiative?

In October 2022, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, in her role as keynote speaker at the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU) Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference, announced the “Million Women in Construction Community Pledge.” The initiative is aimed at doubling the number of women working in the construction industry over the coming decade. 

With new government investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and green energy, the Department of Commerce is making concerted efforts to increase opportunities not only for women but also for people of color, providing funds for businesses, contractors, and workers.  

The Department also developed the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, providing funds to companies that voluntarily adopt the initiative for CHIPS projects. 

While these new investments allow a lot of latitude for states to fund workforce development at their discretion, several states are taking steps to promote equitable hiring practices, including increasing access to training and jobs for women in construction.  

This is partly thanks to the efforts of Raimondo and the Department of Commerce to encourage companies, unions, and trade organizations to pledge to be more inclusive of women. 

Recruitment Efforts

Some states are trying to attract more women to the construction industry by developing workforce training programs that specifically recruit workers from underserved communities and groups — like women — that aren’t traditionally represented in the industry. Cross-agency collaborating on recruitment programs is also underway, along with rethinking procurement strategies. 

Creating Opportunities for Women and Men in Skilled Trades

With a focus on encouraging industry groups like employers and unions to focus on recruiting, training, hiring, and retaining women and other non-traditional workers, Department of Commerce efforts and initiatives could change the face of the workforce in the coming years. 

Providing opportunities for education and licensing is an important part of attracting workers to skilled trades. With online programs designed to help working professionals prepare for state trade exams, those who have completed education and experience requirements can take the next step in their careers. 

Are you interested in a career in the construction industry? Contact RocketCert today to learn more about the licensing exam prep programs available to you.