November 7, 2002

Opportunities abound for women in construction

Courtesy of CITC Ericka Bean, journey level carpenter with W. G. Clark Construction Company and an instructor at CITC, Jack Rafn, chairman of Rafn Company, and Mel Urbanozo, a journeyman electrician with S.M.E. Inc. of Seattle, are all active in promoting construction careers for women and minorities.

When Karen Say took a receptionist job at a general contractor 13 years ago, she thought she’d put her typing and filing skills to use and earn some money for college.

But lured by the opportunities for advancement and high wages, and with encouragement from her employer, Say turned to the technical side of installing fuel systems — and ignited her career.

When the firm closed almost a decade later, Say had worked her way to a position as a branch manager. Capitalizing on her industry expertise — and at the insistence of colleagues — she opened Saybr Contractors, now a leading general contractor specializing in underground and aboveground fuel systems.

“The construction industry is a great way to make a living,” Say said. “And in a field dominated by white males, being a woman can be a real marketing advantage.”

Few women

From beginning as an apprentice and advancing to a field superintendent, project manager or company owner, the construction industry holds an array of high paying, challenging career opportunities for women.

The Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) has seen more women enter the industry in recent years, but women still make up only 5 percent of the organization’s apprenticeship programs.

Although the local numbers are growing, women account for just 2.5 percent of the construction industry workforce nationwide, and according to Department of Employment Security statistics, only 4 percent of field workers in Washington state are women.

Say and other industry leaders argue low numbers show that, by discounting construction as a viable career, too many women miss out on high earnings potential, a paid technical education and opportunities to head their own businesses.

Balance of work

First-year electrical apprentice Deva Nelson, who works with J. M. Corp and Sons, said she chose the construction industry because, as a single mother, she needed to make a good living. Now working and studying, she finds she especially likes the balance between physical and mental work as well as the opportunity to grow in her chosen career.

Stacy Smith, a third-year apprentice, began her training at age 40 and relishes the fact that her job gives her enormous variety, keeps her physically fit and that she can do her job anywhere in the country. Working with electrical contractor SME Inc. of Seattle, her goal is to continue with her training, work into a leadership role where she can run jobs for the company and take time off during the winter to enjoy her family.

Dawn Kingsley, a recent plumbing program graduate, has just been promoted to lead superintendent with DeBolte Plumbing & Heating. She was working as summer help when De Leigh, the female owner of the company, encouraged her to enroll in the CITC apprenticeship program.

“I had no idea how much I would enjoy this work,” Kingsley said. “The variety in the work and the opportunities for advancement are terrific.”

‘Great career choice’

Jennifer Richards, safety director at W.G. Clark Construction Co. and the first woman to graduate from the CITC carpentry program as a journeyperson, began her apprenticeship in 1987 as one of two women in the class.

Richards worked in the field through school, and after graduation continued her education with a goal of working in management. Now, with six years’ experience as a safety director, her goal is to move up to executive level management and perhaps ownership.

Richards would like to see more young women consider a career in construction. “I speak at many high schools, and girls don’t come to the presentations,” she said. “We need to teach them that this is an incredible opportunity to graduate from high school and get a job at $17 to $20 an hour while getting an education.”

Courtesy of CITC Karen Say, founder of Saybr Construction, sits at her desk with her first child, Bobby, who came to work with her frequently until he was walking. Now he and Karen’s second son stay with Karen’s sister while she works.

Jeanine Crutchfield, a CITC graduate and general contractor specializing in residential and remodeling projects in the Seattle area, agreed.

“We need to see more women in the industry — it’s a great career choice,” she said. “I love directing my own work. It gives me great freedom.”

Programs for women

To augment formal training, several industry organizations have developed programs specifically to target young women at the high school and college level. Members of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) organize mentoring programs but see more demand than is being filled.

“In addition to specific industry jobs, there are many affiliated career opportunities,” say Kathleen Garrity, president of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Washington, who has been working with the contractors association for nearly 20 years.

Garrity oversees a staff of seven women who run the educational and safety programs, communications and government affairs for the 390-plus-member organization.

Leanne Liddicoat, the former Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington Central District manager, has just been hired as the executive director of the AGC of Washington Education Foundation, where she will develop educational programs.

Misconceptions

Some industry leaders cite misconceptions about discrimination in the traditionally male-dominated industry as a barrier, keeping women from exploring opportunities. However, Kimberly Kelly, a carpentry journeyperson with Schuchart Corp. in Seattle, said she has never experienced discrimination or other stumbling blocks because she’s a woman.

“My employer believed in me enough to put me through school, and encourages my success,” said Kelly, who sees her experience as a carpenter as a stepping-stone in broadening her expertise so she can eventually realize her dream of becoming an architect.

Whether women enter the industry through the trades or through college programs, they are still vastly under-represented, Kelly said.

“Women bring incredible aptitude, willingness and ability to the industry,” she said. “Our challenge is to continue dispelling the misconceptions and encourage women to leverage these tremendous career opportunities.”

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