The Trades Are “Women’s Work”

Above: The Thompson Creek Window Company factory floor team, which is 60% women.

March is Women in Construction Month. Women make up only 11.5% of payroll employees in the construction industry, according to the United States Census Bureau. To attract and retain women in the industry, how can companies support this demographic and address the hurdles that women, especially pregnant women and working mothers, must overcome?
Obstacles for women in the trades

One obstacle that may prevent women from pursuing a career in construction or in the trades is a lack of support for pregnant women and working mothers. No federal law mandates paid maternity or paternity leave in the U.S. The Family and Medical Leave Act provides employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave; however, there are eligibility requirements for this, and unpaid leave can present an issue for many people. Many women also have concerns about juggling a career with being a parent, especially in a male-dominated industry.

Sara Barchak serves as a marketing manager with Apogee Enterprises’ Architectural

Framing Systems segment—which includes EFCO brand windows—and is also a working mother. Barchak says one major way her company supports her is simply by providing work-life flexibility. “Just a few weeks ago, I got a call from daycare saying that my daughter had a fever,” says Barchak. “I was able to pop out of work, pick her up and drop her off with her grandparents without any worry that there would be repercussions for needing to leave in the middle of the day and miss a couple of meetings while I got that sorted. That kind of culture is extremely important to me.”

Another hurdle that women may experience in the trades is a general lack of support due to preconceived stereotypes about gender roles. These outdated ideas can lead to real-life consequences for women, including harassment, exclusion from important projects and decision-making processes, unequal pay, and limited career advancement opportunities.

In 1975, the National Glass Association’s digital media specialist, Wendy Vardaman, was the first girl in her junior high to choose a drafting class over a cooking class. “I had to talk the drafting teacher into it. After I showed that it could work and not destroy the social fabric, many other girls followed,” says Vardaman. “I tried the same with the shop teacher, and he said he wasn’t having any girls messing around his expensive and dangerous equipment.”

While this story illustrates the reality of gender stereotypes that begin at a young age, it also shows that women have strength in numbers. All it takes is one individual to stand up for their interests, and others will follow suit. It also shows that fostering young people’s interests, regardless of their gender, can help create a strong and skilled workforce.

Stacy White joined Thompson Creek Window Company at just 22 years old as an administrative assistant. Over the past 25 years, she has worked her way up to president of manufacturing. “Along the way, I’ve faced very stereotypical challenges that women face in a male-dominated industry,” says White. “I can recall times when maybe someone didn’t want to call on me because I was a young female, or I was overlooked or talked around at the meeting table.”

White says that she’s always had thick skin and been confident in her capability, which has served her well throughout her career.

Making things better

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, as of November 2024, construction employment grew by 133,000; 18,000 of which was accounted for by women. This means that about one in seven jobs have gone to women, helping to maintain the share of women in construction at just over 14%. Career development opportunities are one way that companies in the trades can support their female employees and their growth.

“This year, I was excited to attend the Women of Apogee Leadership Summit for the first time,” says Barchak. “Apogee Enterprises is really working to create opportunity and space for women leaders in the company to come together and network, grow and learn more.”

Barchak says that conversations at the summit ranged from work to deeper conversations that touched on infertility and pregnancy struggles with miscarriage while being a working woman. She adds that it was refreshing to hear those real discussions, and a good reminder that we come into work as whole people. “Our home life and personal life struggles don’t automatically shut off when you walk through the company doors. Sometimes, we physically can’t shut off. I am excited to see how this initiative to support women leaders in Apogee grows and moves forward,” says Barchak.

Mentorship and being an ally for women in the construction industry is another way to uplift and retain women in the workforce.

Thompson Creek Window Company CEO and second-generation company leader Rick Wuest acted as White’s mentor early on. White’s growth and success throughout her career is a testament to the difference that mentorship and surrounding yourself with the right people can make. “[Wuest] taught me everything he knew from a very early stage. He’s always believed in me and respected me, and after a while, he trusted me, which is when he gave me complete reign for purchasing control for the company,” says White.

White adds that Wuest was always quick to defend her when needed. If someone outside of their company doubted her leadership, “He didn’t hesitate to say, ‘She’s the one making the decisions. If you want our business, you have to convince her, not me.’”

Advice to women in the industry

“It’s hard work that really, truly pays off. Don’t be afraid to take chances and take advantage of opportunities,” says White. “Also, be humble and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance when you need it. Surround yourself with good people. Without the right team surrounding you and supporting you, you can’t make it happen.”

Barchak adds, “The industry needs you. Improvement and progress are only possible when diverse voices and backgrounds are present. Echo chambers do not produce the best results. There is so much opportunity in this industry to learn and grow and be impactful in ways you might not have considered or knew were possible. Your voice has just as much value and worth as a male coworker who has been with the company for 25 years. Stand strong in your convictions and be heard.” 

Day Camp Encourages Girls in the Trades

The National Association of Women in Construction’s core purpose is to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry. Another way to attract women into construction is through early intervention. A member of NAWIC San Diego established a camp to introduce girls in grades 8 through 12 to the construction industry and offer free hands-on learning in a safe environment. No experience is necessary to participate. Previous projects include a “she shed,” playhouse and beverage stand with electrical hookups. Learn more