Posted March 8, 2024 at 8:13 am by Hurricane Fence Marketing Team & filed under Uncategorized

Every year, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) organizes National Women in Construction Week. Now in their 26th year of this celebration, Women in Construction (WIC) Week is a time to empower & be empowered– a reminder to the world & ourselves of the place that women have secured within such a male-dominated industry.

According to the NAWIC, women made up about 9.9% of the construction workforce in 2021, and in the very next year, that number had risen to just under 11%, showing that young women entering the job force and career changers alike are not afraid to push their elbows out to find their seat at the table.

With that being said, the construction industry can be an intimidating place, especially for the first time. That’s why this year for WIC Week 2024, Hurricane Fence would like to not only highlight all the wonderful women who work here, but also offer a library of various resources for women thinking about entering the industry, looking to continue their education, acquiring a new certification, and advance their careers. Read on to learn more!

Pathway to Trade School & Apprenticeship

Nothing speaks louder in construction than hands-on experience & training. Culturally, we are seeing a switch in perspective in young adults thinking about higher education, with many more graduates looking for a fulfilling alternative to a traditional degree, both trade schooling and apprenticeships have grown in popularity over the past 10 to 20 years.

But where should you start?

Of course, that depends on several factors, but to help you get started, check out the following resources for more information:

Scholarships & Educational Financial Assistance

Don’t let the financial burden of education get in the way of following your passion for construction. There are hundreds of scholarships available for women entering trade schools or apprenticeships. You will have to do a little bit of research to find one that best fits you, but to start you off, here are some of the top-rated scholarships & grant programs:

If you have a particular trade in mind, we also recommend searching for specific scholarships and grants for that trade. There may not be opportunities exclusively for women like those above, but when it comes to financial assistance, it is always good to cast a wide net and apply for as many as possible.

Educational Resources & Other WIC Focused Content

Whether you are looking for career advancement, want to deepen your knowledge, or just keep up to date with current and new best practices in your field, women must have resources designed for them specifically, by people who can relate with their struggles. These resources are doing just that.

From podcasts and blogs to training courses and supportive communities, here are a few resources by women, for women:

Advancement of Women in Construction (on-demand course) | Lorman
Women In Construction
Women in Construction Blog
Women in Construction podcast
NEF-EDU NAWIC Education Foundation
Pride and a Paycheck
NABWIC podcast
Trades Training | Hope Renovations

Licensing & Certifications

There’s no better way to dispel any doubt in your abilities and expertise then obtaining a respected license or certification. Between trade certification programs and contractor licensure, you have plenty of options to choose from.

This is key when talking about career advancement, especially if you often feel like you are being unjustly overlooked for new opportunities. Because these awards are granted by industry leaders and long-standing associations, you can obtain them on your own time, and follow you throughout your career. Here are a few links to get you looking at the opportunities available to you:

Confrences & Associations

It’s never been a better time to be a woman in, or considering the construction industry. Although we still have a long way to go, there are more resources available to you now than there ever has before.

Whether you're looking for a community of like-minded women to share your experiences with, learn from, and support each other, or an event to attend for you and your team to network and connect, here are a few places to start: