In 2022, the NCCER interviewed 176 tradeswomen and their managers to get the real story on the unique qualities and skills women bring to the skilled trades along with the obstacles they are facing. In her Metal and Mimosa’s presentation, Jennifer will share the findings and the recommendations these 176 women made to help recruit and retain more women in the construction industry. This isn’t about DEI, this is about the skills and qualifications needed and the people who can fill the positions.
Sponsored by
Presenters:
Jennifer Wilkerson
Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
Jennifer is the Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Her background includes teaching high school English for 13 years and serving as the acting business manager for six years at the welding and fabrication company she and her husband founded and own.
In her current role at NCCER, Jennifer oversees the innovation process within the organization to identify and implement strategies, opportunities and technologies that support the mission of NCCER.
She has been with NCCER for over 15 years where she began as a project manager overseeing the development and revision of curricula and assessments. From there she moved into the marketing department as the director where she helped enhance NCCER’s brand and presence in the construction and maintenance industries and oversaw the Build Your Future initiative to generate a renewed interest in recruitment and image enhancement for the industry.
Jennifer actively presents about workforce development issues and resources, construction career pathways, industry-education partnerships, women in construction, and recruitment into the construction and maintenance industries.
She holds degrees in English Education and Business Administration.