Alliant Celebrates Women in Construction Week^®

Yes. Construction offers strong earning potential, long-term career stability and diverse pathways across project management, engineering, safety, risk management, finance, executive leadership and skilled trades.

Women’s participation in construction has steadily increased with women now making up 10.8% of the total U.S. construction workforce, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data analyzed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research

This represents the highest share of women in construction in approximately 20 years.

While construction remains male-dominated, the growth trend reflects expanding access and intentional efforts to recruit and retain more women.

As Karly Brinla, one of Alliant’s Women in Construction honorees shares: “If you love building things, go be a builder. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been told your whole life that you can’t do this—you can.”

Despite measurable growth, women in construction continue to face challenges related to underrepresentation, particularly in field and trade roles and access to advancement opportunities.

Today, women represent just 4.3% of workers in core construction trades workers, reflecting ongoing recruitment and retention gaps in field positions.

Because construction has historically been male-dominated, women may encounter limited mentorship access or fewer visible role models in certain specialties.

However, as the industry evolves, many leaders emphasize the importance of authenticity and cultural change. Miranda Fischer, one of Alliant’s Women in Construction honorees reinforces this notion in her daily work.

 “You don’t need to fit an outdated mold to succeed. Authenticity and ambition can coexist — and the industry is stronger when you show up fully as yourself.”

Women in Construction Week helps spotlight these challenges while advancing conversations around mentorship, inclusion and sustainable workforce growth.

Thriving in construction requires a combination of technical skill, professional development, mentorship and adaptability.

Industry research consistently shows that retention improves when women have access to structured training, leadership development. Building strong networks and investing in professional growth are critical success factors.

Mentorship, in particular, plays a defining role. As Danette Beck, an Alliant Women in Construction Honoree, explains:

“My mentors left me a ladder to enter the industry. I pass down that ladder so I can continue to elevate others.”

Successful women in construction often:

• Develop technical expertise in their chosen discipline.
• Build cross-functional relationships across project teams.
• Seek mentors and become mentors.
• Embrace adaptability in a fast-moving project environment.
• Advocate for inclusion and leadership opportunities.

Women in Construction Week is designed to foster these connections, strengthening the talent pipeline and helping more women build long-term, impactful careers in construction.