Contributed by the Salt Lake Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
The construction industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace and one of the most encouraging trends we’re seeing in 2025 is the growing visibility, influence, and participation of women. While construction has traditionally been male-dominated, women are increasingly entering and thriving in all areas of the industry – from the field to the boardroom.
“At the Salt Lake Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive in construction,” said Tonya Timothy, Salt Lake NAWIC chapter president (Pentalon Construction). “We are proud to support and amplify the voices of women in construction. Whether they’re breaking barriers in the field, driving innovation in the office, or mentoring the next generation, women are shaping the future of this industry, and that future looks bright.”
“At NAWIC, we’re not just supporting women already in the industry, we’re inspiring the next generation to see themselves here, too,” said Becky Robinson, Salt Lake NAWIC chapter vice-president (Big-D Construction).
Key Trends for 2025:
1. Focus on Workforce Development
Amid ongoing labor shortages and a retiring workforce, companies are prioritizing efforts to build a more resilient future. A number of women are taking advantage of initiatives like intentional recruitment and development through apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and leadership pipelines.
2. Increasing Female Representation in Leadership
More women are stepping into supervisory and executive roles as companies are recognizing the value of different perspectives in decision-making. As the workforce evolves, women often bring fresh perspectives, collaborative leadership styles, and adaptive problem-solving approaches that align with today’s changing workplace dynamics. Companies are discovering that empowering women leaders isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart business move.
3. Technology as an Equalizer
The rapid adoption of construction technology (such as drones, robotics, and advanced project management software) has helped level the playing field. These innovations not only enhance safety and efficiency but also make the industry more attractive to tech-savvy professionals. For younger generations, who may have previously overlooked construction as a career path, the integration of cutting-edge tools and digital platforms presents an exciting opportunity to enter a field where they can make a real impact. This shift is drawing in more women and diverse talent who see construction as both innovative and rewarding.
4. Support Networks and Affinity Groups
Organizations like NAWIC play a critical role in helping women connect, learn, and lead. These support systems are growing in number and influence, creating safe and empowering spaces for women to grow personally and professionally.
How Women Get Involved
There are many pathways into the construction industry such as attending trade schools, engineering or construction management programs, internships, or training on-the-job. More women are entering the trades directly than before, while others transition from adjacent fields like architecture, business, or real estate. Outreach efforts at the high school and college levels are especially effective in encouraging young women to explore construction careers.
“Surround yourself with allies; people, organizations and employers that will teach you, support you, and trust you, and put in the hard work! Once you have the knowledge and experience, pay it forward. That’s how the cycle of this industry will continue to thrive” Timothy said.
Women have more opportunities than ever to build meaningful, long-term, careers. Increasingly, women are being supported by sponsors, mentors and allies in the workplace. Co-workers and leaders who advocate for the growth of women in construction and involve them on jobsites where women may have not traditionally been present help to open doors to new experiences. These sponsorships help women gain visibility and hands-on experience. This is indicative of the cultural shift toward greater inclusion in the construction field overall.
“In my career, I have found that sometimes it takes a bit longer for the men to gain trust or warm up to women in the industry. But once they do, they become your best advocates,” she said.
Timothy often cites her career growth due to the men in her life advocating and supporting her as she grew from office support to Project Manager.
Personal Benefits for Women in Construction
High Earning Potential: Skilled trade and project operations roles often offer competitive salaries without requiring a traditional four-year degree.
Career Growth: With the industry's wide variety of roles, employees can forge unique career paths, from craft labor to corporate leadership.
Tangible Impact: There’s a strong sense of pride in helping to build something lasting and impactful. Construction offers the rare opportunity to see your work take shape in the real world.
Supportive Community: Groups like NAWIC provide mentorship, camaraderie, and access to professional development, making the journey even more fulfilling.
How the Industry Benefits from Female Participation
When more women join the industry, companies gain:
Stronger Teams: Studies show diverse teams bring broader perspectives, creativity, and collaboration, ultimately improving outcomes.
Increased Retention: Inclusive cultures tend to have higher employee satisfaction and retention rates.
Expanded Talent Pool: With the skilled labor shortage continuing, tapping into the underrepresented female workforce is not just a social good, it’s a business necessity.
“At the Salt Lake NAWIC Chapter, we are proud to support and amplify the voices of women in construction. Whether they’re breaking barriers in the field, driving innovation in the office, or mentoring the next generation, women are shaping the future of this industry, and that future looks bright,” she said.
NAWIC in the Salt Lake Community: Building the Future
NAWIC, established in 1953, is committed to making a lasting impact, not just within the industry, but across the local community. Through educational outreach, health and safety advocacy, and hands-on involvement, it aims to inspire the next generation, support one another, and give back in meaningful ways.
“One of our signature outreach efforts is the Block Kids program, a building block-based competition that introduces elementary students, typically from Title I schools, to the world of construction in a fun and imaginative way,” Timothy said. “It's an early, engaging opportunity to spark curiosity and show kids that the industry welcomes creative problem-solvers of all backgrounds.
“We also partner with local high schools to host CAD Design competitions, providing students with the chance to showcase their technical and design skills while learning about real-world applications in construction and architecture. These events help bridge the gap between classroom learning and career possibilities for those who may not have previously considered construction as a path.”
Get Involved
Timothy said, “At the NAWIC Salt Lake Chapter, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive in construction. We’ve been fortunate to tour some of the region’s most high-profile projects including the Salt Lake City International Airport, wastewater treatment plants, data centers, and more- giving our members firsthand exposure to the incredible scope of our industry in the community.
“If you're a woman working in or curious about a career in construction, we’d love to welcome you to NAWIC. Whether you’re in the field, in the office, or just exploring what this industry has to offer, NAWIC provides an incredible network of support, resources, and opportunities. Our members come from a wide range of roles and backgrounds, but we all share a passion for building each other up and the future of construction," Timothy said.
"Being part of NAWIC means having a community that champions your growth," Robinson said. "No matter where you are in your career journey, there’s a place for you here. If you’re looking for a way to support women in construction, we’re always seeking new ways to educate, inspire, and engage our members. Whether it’s sponsoring a lunch and learn, hosting a membership meeting, or contributing to a major event like Women in Construction (WIC) Week in March, your partnership helps us continue our mission."
Visit www.nawicsaltlake.org to learn more about how you can support the NAWIC Salt Lake Chapter and help us continue building a stronger future for everyone.