Diversity: Why & How

Technical Assistance for a more diverse construction workforce

When the US government opened the door to women entering the construction trades in 1978, 3% of tradespeople were women. Almost 40 years later, the number of tradeswomen across the country has increased only slightly to 4%. But not in Massachusetts. Over the past decade, industry collaborations have quadrupled the number of women in union apprenticeship in Massachusetts to over 10% and growing. The number of tradeswomen across the state has more than tripled since 2012.

The leaders of our unions and contractors have driven these changes. Massachusetts’ building trades and construction contractors have recognized that the solution to the industry labor shortage is training and employment for those who were historically excluded, those who need these good careers now. And industry leaders know that providing a diverse skilled workforce will grow their market share.

The Policy Group on Tradeswomen’s Issues (PGTI) has steered this effort through the development and adoption of proven Best Practices for Diversity in the Construction Trades. These Best Practices are available to you and your business. PGTI provides customized Technical Assistance to unions, apprenticeship programs, contractors, developers and other stakeholders seeking to integrate diversity practices into their operations.

Click below to learn more about how you can receive Technical Assistance for Diversity in Construction.