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For decades, the construction industry has been predominantly male. Luckily, over the years, more and more women have been joining the industry. As of 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 11% of construction workers in the United States are women. In the mobile crane and mining industries, these numbers increase slightly to 14% and 16% respectively.
However, there is still a great deal of growth needed to make women feel comfortable joining the construction and mining workforces. Since March is Women in Construction Month, we are going to explore the benefits of women in the construction industry and how PTS supports women wanting to join the industry.
Women in the Construction Industry Offer Many Benefits
Gender Diversity Improves Productivity
When there is greater diversity in the workplace, companies tend to be more productive. In fact, companies that were in the top 25% in gender diversity were more likely to outperform the industry average. Gender diversity also brings in people from many backgrounds with many different experiences, and their skill sets. These different skill sets allow companies to put employees in positions where they can reach their full potential.
Improved Communication and Attention to Detail
Women have been found to be better communicators than men, as they can express themselves better and are able to see other peoples’ sides. This may lead to improved communication with coworkers and other companies.
Attention to detail is another area in which women thrive. Many times, their male counterparts are overconfident in their ability to notice details and make adjustments. This attention to detail may prevent accidents on the job and lead to a higher quality finished project.
A Smaller Wage Gap
In many industries, women earn 16% less than men, or 84 cents for every dollar made by a man. However, the gender pay gap in the construction industry is one of the smallest with women earning 95.5% of what men in the industry are earning. The gender pay gap has been extremely slow to close over the years, making the near-equal pay of the construction industry that much more impressive.
Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs for Women in the Construction Industry
Mining
Mining jobs provide raw materials needed to power all industries, helping to fuel the country’s growth. Not only does mining boost economies and provide necessary materials, but it also helps create crucial infrastructure. Heavy equipment operators are a big part of making the mining industry a success. From removing earth to relocating it, operators for bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, wheel loaders, and more are always in demand.
Construction
With the population continuing to grow and many structures starting to age, the construction industry is more important than ever. In these jobs, construction workers are responsible for building new structures, renovating existing structures, and replacing or repairing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and more. These workers are responsible for moving earth and large objects with heavy equipment such as bulldozers, dump trucks, and more, as well as mobile cranes.
How to Join the Women in the Construction Industry
Joining the construction or mining industry is easy with PTS. Our programs run in as little as three weeks and provide you with all of the information and skills needed to gain your certification and join the workforce.
We offer courses in heavy equipment operating and mobile crane operating so you can choose exactly what you want to do with your education. Our courses take place over three, six, or nine weeks and cost significantly less than college.
How it Works
To start, you can schedule a tour at PTS’s training location and sign up for the course you are most interested in. Your training will take place over three, six, or nine weeks and will consist of a mix of classroom and in-seat training. Once your training is complete, you will need to schedule and sit for an exam to gain your accreditation — such as taking the NCCCO mobile crane operator exam. After this, you are ready to join the workforce. At PTS, we offer career assistance to help you find the right job for you.
Get Started with PTS
PTS offers various financing options and also accepts the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program Chapter 31 benefits. If you are ready to get started on your new career path, schedule a tour with PTS today and get $500 off of your tuition!