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According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the 2019 U.S. construction workforce was composed of only 10.3% women, 6.4% African Americans, 1.9% Asians, and 30.4% Hispanics. There is a call for more diversity in the trade industry, a common theme among many sectors in the millennial age. When organizations increase their diversity, everyone will benefit, which has been a proven fact over and over again.

The trades have a history of being a challenging industry for women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ workers. In many trade jobs, it is common to see a white male carrying out whatever work is to be done. Luckily, that situation is beginning to change. Employers in trade jobs and labor unions have recognized the lack of diversity and inclusion and have implemented plans of action and practices to fix these issues.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has created a diversity and inclusion council that enables AGC members to connect, keep pace with the latest construction diversity and inclusion developments, and participate in developing and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives. The AGC’s diversity and inclusion council are just one of many developments that step in the right direction for the trade industry.

Diversity and inclusion have been a massive priority for every industry, but the trades have been taking it very seriously with many initiatives. The statistics show change, but there is still a long way to go. ANEW is a non-profit organization linking women to apprenticeships and livable wage jobs in construction trades, manufacturing, aerospace, and utilities. El Centro de la Raza is a resource hub for the Hispanic community. StartZone is an entrepreneurial resource center for immigrants, minorities, women, and people of disability.

Many organizations are being created to help fix this problem, and at RocketCert, we encourage everyone from all backgrounds to use our resources and enter the trade work field. Visit our website to browse the industry in which you work or plan to work. The requirements could surprise you, but we’re here to help you get to where your goals are set.