Whenever I see the chance to promote the idea of getting more women into the construction trades I try to take advantage of it. This is one of those chances.
Also, whenever I see the chance to promote the idea of exposing kids to the construction trades, I again try to take advantage of it. This is also one of those chances.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has come up with a way to get more middle-school aged girls interested in the industry. It’s a week-long camp where the girls learn the skills that could lead them to careers in construction.
The story comes from the NBC affiliate in Austin, TX, WXAN.
According to WXAN reporter, Chris Davis, “Austin ISD is helping to introduce girls to the career path early. The NAWIC camp is using space at Crockett High School’s construction technology building, the only program in the district that offers dual-credit construction courses with Austin Community College. Students can earn up to 12 semester hours of the required 60 to earn an Associate’s of Applied Science in construction management.
“‘Typically 10–15 students follow all the way through to the college-level classes each year,’ said Charla Merrel, the program’s coordinator. Next year, of 18 students taking the college courses, four are female.
“Lanier High School has a smaller construction program, as well as an electrical apprenticeship program. Merrel said due to cost, the district likely won’t expand those programs to additional schools any time soon, but they encourage girls to join the classes through career fairs and parent outreach.”
The program is being run in Texas, a state where hiring for construction industry jobs is among the highest in the country. But it’s also a state that could have hired even more if not for the lack of qualified workers.
Check out the news report below from WXAN:
