Women in Construction Are Shaping the Industry’s Future

The construction industry, traditionally male-dominated, is undergoing a critical transformation. As more women enter the field, they are challenging stereotypes, filling job openings, and driving innovation. Recent statistics and market insights underscore the immense opportunities that exist for women in construction, as well as the remaining challenges that must be addressed to ensure equitable participation.

One company leading the charge in advancing women’s roles in construction is Foundational Builders (FBCORP). By fostering an inclusive culture, Foundational Builders holds space for women in various leadership and on-the-ground roles, from corporate staff to project managers and field positions. The company’s commitment to diversity demonstrates how supporting women is both a moral imperative and a strategic move for success.

Foundational Builders: Leading the Way for Women in Construction

Foundational Builders is spearheading the movement to integrate women into every facet of construction. By actively recruiting, promoting, and supporting women, FBCORP has cultivated an inclusive workplace where women thrive in roles ranging from corporate leadership to project management and fieldwork.

At FBCORP:

• Women serve as corporate staff, helping steer company vision and operat ions.

• Female project managers excel in balancing timelines, budgets, and relationships with clients, architects, and site teams.

• Women are in the field, contributing directly to construction projects and proving that physical roles are not out of reach.

• Across all departments, women’s voices are valued, creating a more inclusive, innovative, and results-driven workplace.

FBCORP’s leadership understands that investing in diversity is more than fulfilling quotas—it’s about bringing unique perspectives, skills, and problem-solving approaches to every project.

Addressing the Industry-Wide Labor Shortage

The U.S. construction industry continues to face a significant labor shortage. Job openings reached a record 450,000 in early 2024 before stabilizing to an average of 300,000 (Figure 1). This workforce gap has been driven by increased demand in residential housing, infrastructure projects, and normalized supply chains post-pandemic.

Research shows that increasing women’s participation can close the labor gap. Recent analysis (Figure 3) illustrates that if women’s representation in construction rose from the current 9% to match levels in the transportation and utilities sector (~24%), the number of additional women entering the workforce would exceed existing job openings. Even a modest 3-percentage point increase would effectively fill the current demand.

Foundational Builders is actively addressing this challenge by creating pathways for women to join and excel in the industry. Their commitment to hiring and retaining women not only fills critical roles but also ensures that projects are completed efficiently and with a diversity of thought.

Women Excelling in High-Paying Roles

Construction remains one of the most lucrative industries for workers without a bachelor’s degree, with average hourly earnings of $27—higher than sectors like education and health services, which average $22 (Figure 2).

At FBCORP, women in project management, corporate leadership, and field positions are accessing these high-paying opportunities. By empowering women with the training, tools, and leadership development they need, Foundational Builders is proving that construction careers offer financial security, professional growth, and job satisfaction.

Breaking Barriers: Women Thriving at Foundational Builders

Women are excelling in roles that require leadership, innovation, and adaptability—key traits in today’s fast-paced construction industry. Industry leaders like Whitney Hill (SnapADU) and Heather Tankersley (Tankersley Construction) highlight how women’s strengths in communication, multitasking, and problem-solving make them invaluable in roles like project management and client relations.

At Foundational Builders, these same strengths are driving success:

• Female project managers are balancing complex workflows, managing relationships between stakeholders, and ensuring project deadlines are met.

• Women in corporate roles help define strategic direction, improve operations, and drive growth.

• Female field workers are breaking stereotypes by contributing directly to on-site construction projects.

FBCORP is setting an example by providing the support, mentorship, and resources women need to thrive in these roles.

Overcoming Challenges for Women in Construction

Despite significant progress, women in construction still face barriers such as:

1. Jobsite Culture: Discrimination, harassment, and isolation remain challenges that must be addressed.

2. Work-Life Balance: Many women juggle caregiving responsibilities alongside demanding work schedules.

3. Training and Access: Limited access to pre-apprenticeship programs and technical training can hinder entry into the trades.

Foundational Builders is tackling these challenges head-on by fostering a supportive, inclusive culture and creating clear pathways for career advancement. Initiatives like mentorship programs, leadership development, and flexible work policies ensure that women are not only welcomed but empowered to succeed.

The Role of Representation

Representation is a powerful tool for change. When women see others like them in leadership positions, project management, and fieldwork, they are more likely to envision themselves succeeding in the industry.

Foundational Builders understands the importance of representation and actively showcases its female leaders and workers across the company. By creating visibility for women in construction, FBCORP is inspiring the next generation to consider careers in the industry.

This aligns with broader trends in the industry. Social media, networking groups, and initiatives like Women in Construction Week have amplified the visibility of women’s achievements, helping to break down stereotypes and barriers.

Building the Future: A Collective Effort

The construction industry holds immense potential for women. With high wages, job growth, and increasing opportunities in leadership, project management, and technical trades, women are well-positioned to play a central role in shaping the future of construction.

Foundational Builders is leading by example, demonstrating how a commitment to diversity benefits not just women but the entire organization. By creating inclusive spaces, supporting career development, and valuing women’s contributions, FBCORP is building a stronger, more innovative workforce.

As the industry continues to evolve, it will take a collective effort—employers, policymakers, and industry leaders—to push for greater equity and inclusion. With companies like Foundational Builders paving the way, the construction industry is proving that diversity drives success.

Key Takeaways

• Women currently make up 10.9% of construction workers, with growing representation in leadership and field roles.

• Foundational Builders is spearheading efforts to integrate women into every aspect of the industry, from project management to on-site work.

• If women’s representation increased by just 3 percentage points, it could close the current workforce gap of 300,000 job openings.

• Construction remains a high-paying industry, offering an average wage of $27/hour for workers without a bachelor’s degree.‍

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The future of construction is diverse, innovative, and inclusive—and women are central to that transformation. Foundational Builders (FBCORP) is leading the charge by empowering women, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities at every level of the organization.

By investing in women, fostering inclusive cultures, and championing equitable policies, the construction industry can build not just structures but a future where everyone has a place and a voice.

The door has been opened—together, we can push it wide open. Foundational Builders is already paving the way.

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