The second annual Maine Construction Career Day, hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC Maine), brought hundreds of students and industry vendors together to participate in hands-on learning experiences and networking opportunities. High school students were given the chance to operate equipment, test out their welding skills, and frame walls, WMTW News 8 reports.
The event, which was organized entirely by women, aimed to introduce young girls to career opportunities in the skilled trades, especially in Maine, which needs around 84,000 new homes by 2030 to combat its current housing shortage.
Career Day organizers like Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of AGC Maine, say today’s Career Day was 100% organized by women. With women making up 50% of the workforce but only 10% of the construction industry, Flagg says she hopes they can attract more Maine women to help fill the state’s construction needs.
AGC Maine shared their new Maine Construction Academy Immersion Program with students. This program extends student exposure to the trades from this single day into a 4-week experience offered as a partnership between local schools and the trade organization.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Women in Construction
NJ $4M Grant to Help Boost Access to Construction Trades for Women and Minorities
Through a combination of legislation and grant money, the state of New Jersey is taking steps to increase the diversity of its workforce in construction and the skilled trades
Education + Training
Annual Chico Trades Day Provides Students With Hands-on Experience
In Chico, Calif., trades take center stage at annual trades day event that introduces students to skilled trades career options
Education + Training
Indiana High School Students Gain Construction Experience Building a Home
High schoolers get hands-on experience in the skilled trades thanks to a construction program run by the Central Nine Career Center in Johnson County