This week marks the 64th anniversary of Women in Construction Week and CCG is celebrating all the women in this critical and essential industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 over 161 million people over the age of 16 were employed in the United States, and 46.8% of them were women. However, of the nearly 11.8 million people employed in the construction industry, only 10.8% (approximately 1,284,768) were women. And while that percentage is low, especially compared to other industries, it is up slightly from 2010 when that number was just 8.9%, but unfortunately, it hasn't changed since 2020.
Here at CCG we are proud to have extremely talented and enthusiastic women on our sales staff dedicated to financing equipment for the construction industry. To showcase them and to encourage other women to consider a career in construction, we’ve asked them a few questions about their experiences and for some advice they would give to women looking to join the industry.
31 years.
I like everything about the Construction Industry but first and foremost are the people – hard working, hard driving, good people. They build our bridges, our roads, our schools, our homes. Construction creates communities. How can you not have massive respect for the workers who get up at 4 am to pave our roads and build our bridges?
It’s never dull. Construction is in constant motion and typically moves at a fast pace. If you are comfortable in jeans, and boots and don’t mind getting dusty go for it - If you like wearing high heels and lack a sense of humor, probably not the best career choice.
A crane.
Yes, I’ve had one for years – hard hat and steel-toe boots.
11 years. But I actually grew up in construction because my father worked in the industry. I’d go on job sites with him during summer break and dig trenches to lay pipe.
The People, the dedication they have to the industry, and the passion they have for it. Construction takes true grit and hard work. You’ll see crews working from sun up to sun down. Construction is part of everyone’s day-to-day life even if they don’t work in the industry. From the roads we drive on to the homes we live in, without construction we wouldn’t be able to go anywhere or do anything.
Never take no for an answer and don’t be afraid to get your boots dirty. (This was advice a President of a Large Construction Company told me years ago. It is something that I carry with me every day.)
A front loader.
Yes.
I have been financing construction equipment for 36 years.
A career in construction provides an opportunity to make a difference in your community as well as form lifelong friendships and relationships with knowledgeable professionals who are happy to share their industry insights. The construction industry is important to our economy and our communities. Construction projects provide jobs, inject both funds and new life into communities, and create infrastructure to keep our community and our country moving. Whether it is building a road, clearing land for development, or building a bridge the things you build matter to the people in your community.
The beauty of a career in the construction industry is that your career aspirations can be sky high, the only limit to what you are able to achieve falls upon you!
A bulldozer. I’ve heard it said that the bulldozer’s main claim to fame is its sheer strength and bulldozers go where no other normal tractor would risk.
Yes, and it is pink!
Start early with role modeling women in construction to encourage young women to seek and pursue construction career opportunities. Recruit women into trade schools and leverage technology to improve access, accountability, and attendance - all of which promote behaviors that lead to improved graduation rates. Help place women into construction roles through targeted recruitment efforts, modern technology and education, and professional support networks.
Over 8 years. I started underwriting in our construction division in 2016. Over the next 4 years, I worked with the construction team serving the Midwest to the West Coast interviewing and learning about a huge variety of customers from every segment of the industry. In 2020 I transitioned into the field as a regional sales manager.
The people, of course. The industry is full of hardworking, innovative, and down-to-earth people that are a blast to speak and spend time with. I am constantly in awe of my customers who juggle so much but always make time for me. I am also fascinated with how dynamic this industry is. Techniques and equipment evolve for efficiency and safety, the variety of work that can be accomplished using one piece of equipment, navigating the highs and lows of each segment, navigating different terrains and climates, and coordinating all the pieces of a project. I’m never bored working in this industry and critical thinking is a must!
Be confident, the industry needs us! Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t currently know; there are amazing men and women in this industry eager to help you learn and succeed.
An excavator with a mulching head! If you haven’t seen what those bad boys can do, please look it up on YouTube.
Of course. It’s still a little too clean though.
Highlight the diverse roles available in the industry. There are many opportunities, even if operating a machine or building a road isn't what you aspire to do. We need accountants, lawyers, managers, insurance specialists, bankers, equipment manufacturers, etc. to keep the wheels turning. and support the "boots on the ground". The more you can understand the specific needs of the construction market, the more successful you'll be.
I began my career in construction in 1998 as a Women Minority Business Owner of MTS Trucking and Paving and Phoenix Supply Company, a stone and gravel yard. In 1999, my company was awarded a contract to haul and remove the dirt from what is now known as the Brick Reservoir, owned by Brick Township Municipal Authorities in Brick, NJ.
I love making a positive impact on my community.
Develop confidence, build trust, ask questions, and set boundaries.
A BIG wheel loader.
Of course! If I ever get a chance to drive one of the wheel loaders I’m going to need it!
Create more custom-fit roles. The construction industry offers numerous jobs, especially for women who have financial skills. Roles in sectors such as fleet management will welcome any applicant who is great with numbers. Including women in these roles will help propel them to leadership positions.
As you can tell, the CCG women who work with our construction clients are passionate about the industry and about helping their customers. We thank these ladies and all women in construction working to provide opportunities and careers in this extremely vital industry.
You can learn more about the leading association promoting women in the construction industry by visiting The National Association of Women in Construction.
Interested in joining the CCG team and working with this great group of women? Visit our Careers page to see all the available positions.