According to the numbers, women in construction are currently at their most visible in two decades. But if this is true, where exactly are they? While at their peak, women still make up only 11% of the U.S. construction workforce. Despite what may be progress in the field, there’s a long way to go, especially as the ongoing labor shortage and rising demand for infrastructure continue to stand at a crossroads.
Less than a year ago, more than 90% of contractors reported difficulty filling positions and major project delays due to a lack of workers. Amid this existing issue, nearly half (41%) of current skilled workers are also predicted to retire in the next five years. You would think with this critical shortage of boots on the ground, women’s advancement in the industry would be a piece of cake.