Building a Career Path in the Construction Trades Part Two

At the end of 2024 just over 14-percent of the construction industry workforce were women, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. This influx of women into the construction field brings fresh perspectives and much-needed diversity to an industry that is both growing and critical to the economy. Despite this trend, the construction trades still have very few women in their ranks compared to administrative, management and sales occupations according to a data report released by Fixr in February, 2025.

The demand in the trades is so high, that there are news stories devoted to the opportunity to train in construction trade skills for women as a way to meet the growing needs. Once a trade is learned, a job is relatively easy to land – or is already in hand if the skill was through an apprenticeship or other on-the-job-training program. So, what’s next? It’s time to start building a career.

 

Construction trade skills for women offer career advantages in the industry

Women entering construction via a trade gain access to several career advantages. One significant benefit is the potential for job security. The construction industry remains a cornerstone of economic growth, with a steady demand for skilled labor.

The American Council for Construction Education, citing a 2024 Associated Contractors General of America, wrote:

“For those career-minded individuals interested in construction, the opportunities abound. Getting in on the ground floor, pun intended, has never been easier. Highly skilled, craft workers are the most lacking. According to AGC, positions for pipelayers and concrete workers are in the worst shape with 89% and 87% respectively, of member contractors having issues getting enough workers on their payroll.”

The earning potential within the construction industry is solid, and women who complete apprenticeships have access to well-paying jobs from the outset. As apprentices complete their training and move into journeyman or supervisory roles, their salaries increase significantly. Moreover, these programs often provide the foundation for women to access leadership opportunities, such as project management, where compensation and responsibility are higher.

Also, women entering construction who have completed formal trade apprenticeships have been educated with specialized, hands-on training that is often recognized through certifications, which are highly valued by employers. For women, this means having the credentials necessary to advance quickly in their careers, whether in the field or in leadership positions.

Leveraging construction trade skills for women into leadership positions

Once a woman has some real-world experience, the field is wide open to move into project management or similar supervisory positions. According to U.S. News & World report, the median salary of a construction manager was $104,900 in 2023. Construction manager also ranks #2 in “Best Construction Jobs,” according to the publication.

The need for supervisors and managers is almost as sizable as the need for skilled craft and tradespeople. The AGC reports states that, “81% of firms were hard pressed to find qualified project managers and supervisors.”

Opportunities will continue to grow as the current workforce ages. The median age of a construction worker is already higher than that of a worker in the national labor force, according to an analysis by the National Association of Homebuilders. Now is the time for younger workers to gain the experience, and the knowledge, they need to move up into these positions as they become available.

One way to do that is through continuing education.

Continuing education can boost career advancement once construction trade skills for women are mastered

Part of NAWIC’s offerings include continuing education. NAWIC, the NAWIC Education Foundation, and affiliated programs offer many opportunities for women in the trades.

While some jobs, like construction manager and cost estimator generally require a college degree – especially at larger firms – certifications and associates degrees are more common to move into supervisory positions like field operations or electrical supervisor. Certifications from accredited sources also demonstrate knowledge of very specific skills, like the ability to develop, organize and interpret construction drawings or undertake construction estimating and bidding.

Fortunately, there are an abundance of education programs offered by unions, non-profit associations and even community colleges designed to empower women in the trades. Armed with a certificate, associates degree or bachelor’s degree – plus the hard earned skills gained on the job or during an apprenticeship – tradeswomen can move into positions of power, managing teams, or starting their own businesses.

Learning construction trade skills for women provides opportunities for a good, rewarding, job and financial stability. Leveraging work experience and education can lead to career advancement that puts women at the top of whichever construction career ladder they choose to climb.

NAWIC provides support, networking and mentorship, leadership training and education in construction trade skills for women for more than 6,000 members in 120 chapters across the U.S. Want to know more? Contact a chapter near you.