The construction industry has long struggled with gender imbalance, but the tide is slowly turning. In 2025, women occupy more roles in construction than ever before, yet significant challenges persist. As women now represent 14% of the construction workforce — up from 10.9% just five years ago — the industry is beginning to recognize the immense value of diverse leadership.
Opportunities for Women in Construction
The BLS estimates that the construction industry will grow by 4% between 2021 and 2031 — equating to about 168,500 new jobs each year over the decade. With this expected growth, companies are looking to recruit more women than ever before to bring their skill sets into the field.
To help, the U.S. government and industry associations are responding to and encouraging women in the construction workspace. Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grants are helping to fund training programs that specifically address increasing women’s participation in skilled trades. In 2024, the WANTO grant program awarded $6 million to 9 community-based organizations to increase women’s participation in apprenticeship programs and nontraditional occupations.
Women in Construction Week (WICWeek)
Women play a crucial role in shaping the construction industry, and Women in Construction Week (WICWeek) is the perfect time to emphasize why professional associations are especially important for women — they provide community, support, networking opportunities, mentorship, education, skills building, advocacy, support etc. — in industries where they may be underrepresented, such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing. It’s about the power of community and connection.
Held annually in March, WICWeek has become a cornerstone event for recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in the construction industry. Organized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), this week-long initiative highlights the challenges women face in the field and showcases their successes as they reshape one of the most traditionally male-dominated industries.
This year’s theme, “Together we Rise”, celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.
Is Construction a Good Field for Women?
Research points to several unique qualities that women bring to the industry—namely, they have a team-focused approach, attention to detail, keep a clean and organized job site, and are focused on safety. Instead of relying on physical strength, women are more focused on following the work process which drives efficiency and positively impacts safety scores. Lee Ann M. Slattery, sales support manager at ATAS International Inc. and past METALCON speaker, shares, “With the overall shortage of skilled tradespeople, entry-level pay is higher than many other career options, and there is a lot of opportunity for advancement, including future business ownership. Business owners in our industry are also becoming more aware of how women can positively impact their teams and contribute with ideas and different ways of thinking, which can result in a more inclusive company culture.”
In this MetalTalk™ recorded live from METALCON 2023, founding partner Heidi J. Ellsworth, sits down with Kelli Nolden with DoneRite Home Maintenance and Michelle Kettering with LTD Exteriors to discuss women in metal construction and the metal industry as a whole. Nicole and Michelle were both trained by John Sheridan, owner of Sheridan Metal Resources LLC, and took part in METALCON’s hands-on Training Zone. They share their experiences with metal roofing installation and training as well as providing resources and advice for women interested in metal roofing as a career. John explains, “Most companies have women involved in the business, but it’s all on the management end. But there’s really no reason why women can’t be involved in the actual installation end of things.”
Women at METALCON
At METALCON 2024, held October 30 – November 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, women made up over 15% of total attendance, highlighting the growing presence of women in the construction industry. METALCON’s exclusive “Metal and Mimosas” networking event reached full capacity, providing a valuable opportunity for women in metal construction to connect with industry leaders and peers. Looking ahead to METALCON 2025 in Las Vegas, October 21-23, this popular event will return on Tuesday, October 21.
Conclusion
Women have long been a leading force driving the economy — with their labor force participation and median weekly earnings growing. With 2024 further proving this momentum, expect the trend to strengthen in 2025 — especially in traditionally male-dominated industries like construction.