If women make up half the U.S. Population, why do they occupy fewer than 10% of the jobs in the construction trades? The answer is particularly pressing at a time when skilled construction workers are almost impossible to find.
One reason is that many young people of both genders don't believe they can make a good living, writes Kim Slowey at ConstructionDive.com. Another reason is that women have a harder time finding role models and mentors who can teach them the skills they need. Still another factor is the general belief in the industry that women are intimidated by the jobsite environment.
All of this is beginning to change, thanks to private companies and industry associations that are actively promoting the trades and providing skills training to both young men and women.