Empowering Women in Construction: Maine Celebrates Progress
BANGOR — Maine is shining a spotlight on the vital contributions of women in the construction industry during Women in Construction Week, running from March 1-7. This initiative aims to recognize the increasing presence of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Currently, women represent 15% of Maine’s construction workforce, surpassing the national average of 11.3%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Governor Janet Mills has called on Mainers to engage with and support women in this sector, emphasizing their importance to the state’s economy.
State Initiatives and Hiring Events
In a bid to enhance female representation in construction, Governor Mills signed Executive Order 7 in 2024, which focuses on increasing opportunities for women in the industry. The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) has since collaborated with employers, industry associations, and educational institutions to create pathways for women seeking careers in construction. These efforts have successfully placed over 300 women in trades positions and more than 400 in educational programs, including pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.
As part of the celebration, the MDOL hosted a “Build Your Future” hiring event at the Bangor Tri-County Career Center on Wednesday. The event featured around 21 employers eager to recruit new talent. Sydney Eaton, a prospective welding student, expressed her determination to challenge stereotypes, stating, “Women can do anything that men can do, and we can show that it doesn’t need to be a male-dominated field.”
Amanda Reibel, senior recruitment coordinator for General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, highlighted the growing number of women in various departments, particularly in trades. “Our numbers continue to increase every year, so we’re proud of our ladies,” she said. This event is just one of many initiatives this week aimed at encouraging women to explore careers in construction.
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Funding and New Resources for Women
In addition to the hiring event, the MDOL and the Maine Department of Transportation have announced $300,000 in grant awards to enhance the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) workforce pipeline. This funding aims to train Mainers for careers in construction and transportation, helping to eliminate barriers for women entering these fields. Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman stated, “With these grant awards, we will be able to connect more people across Maine, including women, with these life-changing opportunities.”
Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Dale Doughty emphasized the importance of earning a CDL, noting that it opens doors to stable and rewarding careers. Furthermore, the MDOL has launched a new Women in Trades webpage to provide additional resources and support for women interested in pursuing careers in construction. Reibel reinforced the capabilities of women in the field, asserting, “They can do the job just as well, sometimes even better than the men out in the field.”
