MAINE, USA — Women only account for about 11% of the country's construction workforce and just 9% of the logging industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In our state, New Ventures Maine is offering free, hour-long online workshops in the coming weeks to try and bring more women and underrepresented people into those sectors.
The organization is holding a construction workshop Thursday, April 4, and a forestry forum Tuesday, April 9.
“We feel it’s vital, especially to provide something like this to women in particular because they are underrepresented in these career areas, so they may not be considering some of these really quality jobs and quality training opportunities," said Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau, New Ventures Maine's workforce development manager.
The workshops will offer information on apprenticeship programs, no- or low-cost training across Maine, and additional support.
"We're available as a resource after the session," Senechal-Jandreau said. "We're willing to work with you one-on-one to help you make those connections."
Meredith Kirkmann, an associate professor of construction engineering technology at the University of Maine, has been in the field for two decades. She said whether you're looking for a career change or just interested in a career with growth potential, these sectors have space.
“You have to have the people to do the work, and it’s really hard to pull just from a small population," she said. "The more diverse our workforce can be, the easier it is to do those things that affect our infrastructure and really do impact peoples day to day lives.”
Kirkmann said too many women are leaving construction engineering careers by the time they reach their early 30s due to a variety of issues, like cultural influences in the workforce and childcare needs.
"These are jobs we need people in," Kirkmann said. "We need people of all educational levels in them. There’s an opportunity for career growth. There’s an opportunity for good pay."
Click here to learn more about the opportunities.