March 1 through 7 is designated “National Women in Construction Week,” and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) will use the week to raise awareness about growing opportunities in the industry for women.
Lynn Bolek, a project manager for a.j. Veneklasen Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been working in construction for 27 years. Although she is a veteran in the industry, she says it was not easy climbing the construction career ladder.
She says many are moving away from the notion that women shouldn’t be in the industry, though there is still room for more growth.
“We have the ability, just as men," she told WZZM. "Maybe we’re not as strong, but we are willing and have strength internally."
According to the United State Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up approximately 9 to 10 percent of the construction workforce. However, many projections show those numbers climbing significantly over the next few years.
Bolek’s colleague, Amy Shakarjan, says acknowledging this week is an important step in reversing old stereotypes about women in the industry.
“It's not so abnormal to see a woman on site,” she told WZZM.
Source: WZZM 13
