What images come to mind when you think of construction? Probably men with helmets and tool belts. The construction industry has traditionally been dominated by men, and women make up only a small percentage of the workforce. But as the demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills continues to grow, there is an incentive to get more women interested in careers in construction. With the help of (government) agencies and progressive companies, women are breaking gender stereotypes and making their mark in the world of STEM, especially in the construction industry.
In this blog post, we explore the challenges women face in this field, the efforts being made to attract more women to STEM careers in construction, as well as hear from inspiring women at Trimble who have successfully navigated their way through this industry.
Challenges for women in STEM careers in construction
The challenges facing women in STEM careers in construction are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach. A key challenge is the lack of female role models and mentors in the industry. Without representation at the highest levels, it can be difficult for women to imagine a future in construction. In addition, work cultures and prejudices can create a hostile or unfriendly environment for women, leading to feelings of isolation and limited advancement opportunities. In turn, another challenge is the physical demands of the industry, which can be daunting for some women.
By recognizing these challenges and actively working to overcome them, the industry can become more inclusive and open doors for women to excel in STEM careers in construction.
Where are those women in construction?
When it comes to STEM careers, women in the technical sector are severely underrepresented, and the construction industry is no exception. Today there are 27,193 women working in construction as employees, workers or self-employed. This is a 4 percent increase from the previous year, and over the past five years, the number of women working in the construction and installation sector has increased significantly, according to an analysis by construction federation Embuild. Although the increase is more prominent among female white-collar workers, the overall representation of women in the sector remains limited at 1.2 percent.
However, the construction industry offers numerous career opportunities for women outside of traditional physical occupations. Positions such as project manager, engineer and even director are available. Because the industry constantly needs new talent, construction offers job security and stability. Although the number of women in leadership positions is increasing, there is still work to be done to increase representation among workers.
One of the main reasons for the gender gap in STEM careers, including engineering in construction, is the perception that these fields are more suited to men. This perception is deeply rooted and begins at an early age, with girls often discouraged from pursuing careers in engineering. As a result, many women face challenges and obstacles in entering and pursuing careers in these fields.
To address this, Embuild actively promotes a career in construction among women through image campaigns and women's networks, with the goal of attracting more women. These efforts are crucial to addressing the industry's labor shortage and enabling women to pursue satisfying and rewarding careers in construction.
The benefits of more women in construction
Diversity in the construction industry brings a host of benefits. First, greater diversity promotes a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for all employees, regardless of gender or background. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and higher employee retention rates. Additionally, diversity allows for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, which promotes creativity and problem-solving skills within teams. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more effective at finding solutions and achieving success.
Additionally, having more women in the construction industry can help break stereotypes and challenge societal expectations. Showcasing successful women in these positions encourages young girls and women to choose careers in STEM fields. This helps create a more inclusive and supportive industry for all, regardless of gender.
Moreover, diverse companies are often better able to adapt to change and are better equipped to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base. By embracing diversity, the construction industry can tap into a wealth of untapped talent and achieve greater innovation and success.
Promising initiatives to encourage more girls and women into STEM professions There are promising initiatives underway to encourage more women into construction careers and to bridge the gender gap in the industry. One such initiative is the creation of mentorship programs, where experienced women professionals provide guidance and mentorship to young women entering the trades. These programs provide valuable support, advice and networking opportunities that help women face the challenges they may face.
Another initiative is the creation of scholarships and grants specifically for women in construction-related STEM professions, making education more accessible and affordable. In addition, organizations and leaders in the industry are actively promoting gender diversity and inclusion through public campaigns and awareness initiatives.
These efforts not only attract more women into construction, but also promote an inclusive and diverse industry that benefits everyone.
Overcoming challenges and building for success - Personal stories from Trimble's women engineers
At Trimble, women are making their mark in the world of STEM and breaking gender stereotypes in the construction industry. We spoke with some amazing women at Trimble who have successfully made their way in this traditionally male-dominated field. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that women can excel in STEM careers and contribute to the growth and success of the industry.
Hilke Zijstra, Growth Marketing Manager EMEA at Trimble, has a mechanical engineering background at Delft University, where she was always the only woman in project groups. She was regularly treated differently from her male colleagues during her studies and even faced nasty questions from colleagues at work about motherhood and career.
When asked how we can encourage more women to choose careers in STEM and/or construction, she said:
"It's often suggested that girls just aren't interested in STEM topics. When I see my daughters playing with Lego, I find that hard to believe. In any case, I think it is good to introduce children to STEM at an early age. To make them curious, hold their interest and show them the different possibilities in this career field. That's why it's so important for girls and women to have role models who not only tell them what's possible, but actually show them."
At Trimble, she feels she is given the same opportunities as her male colleagues.
Amanda Fox, a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Trimble, shared her journey through a career as an engineer after graduating in Industrial Engineering from Northeastern University. During her career, she felt strongly supported as a woman, but she also realized the lack of women in the workforce.
When asked how she encountered barriers in her career and how she overcame them, she said, "The most challenging part is the lack of female colleagues. It is not uncommon to be the only woman in a meeting, and the lack of women in leadership roles could definitely use some improvement. This is why it is very important for women to lift each other up, personally, of course, but even more so professionally. Give compliments where they are appropriate, invite colleagues to meetings, sign up as mentors or simply ask a colleague out to lunch. Also (although controversially) I believe that talking about salaries only helps each other."
At Trimble, she has a voice and appreciates the opportunities provided by the company's Employee Resource Networks (ERNs) and Benefit & Wellness team.These women at Trimble are breaking barriers and proving that gender should never limit one's opportunities in the construction industry. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that women can excel in STEM careers and contribute to the growth and success of the industry.
Empowering future generations - How to get more women involved in engineering and construction
As we strive for greater gender equality in the construction industry, it is critical to empower and inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in engineering and construction. Here are a few key strategies to get more women involved in these fields.
Education and awareness: Encouraging girls to learn about STEM subjects from an early age is essential. We can foster interest in engineering and construction by encouraging STEM education in schools and providing resources and mentoring programs. In addition, raising awareness about the various career options in these fields can help combat stereotypes and inspire girls to consider these paths.
Female role models and mentoring: Female engineers and construction professionals can serve as powerful role models for aspiring women in these industries. By highlighting successful women in these roles and providing mentoring opportunities, we can create a support system that guides and empowers young women throughout their educational and professional journey.
Breaking stereotypes: It is critical to challenge and break stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing engineering and construction careers. By highlighting women's achievements and contributions in these fields, we can help dispel myths and misconceptions. In addition, promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces that value and respect women's contributions is vital to encouraging more women's engagement.
Supportive policies and initiatives: Governments, companies and industry associations play a critical role in creating supportive policies and initiatives that encourage more women to enter and pursue careers in engineering and construction. These can include measures such as providing scholarships and financial support, implementing workplace gender equality policies, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the industry.
By implementing these strategies and working together, we can empower future generations of women to pursue careers in engineering and construction, ensuring a more diverse, inclusive and innovative industry for all. Let's break down barriers and inspire the next generation of women engineers and construction workers.