Here are the key sentences extracted based on their relevance to your request about women succeeding in heavy machinery roles, breaking gender barriers, inspiring case studies, and greater gender equality and diversity in construction/maritime industries:

- LUS Fiber hires first woman lineworker, a graduate of the SLCC Power Lineman program.

- A former Miss England finalist, an England rugby star and ex-finance worker: Meet the women who ditched their careers to drive 44-tonne lorries across Great Britain.

- But last year, the beauty queen and former model ditched the catwalk and trained for both her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence so she could fulfil her dream of becoming a lorry driver.

- Miss Everatt (pictured in a truck) was inspired by the fact that less than one per cent of British HGV drivers are female.

- She says the evolving industry is 'really exciting' and is encouraging other women to join their ranks.

- 'I think we're in modern times and there's nothing to stop girls getting involved in that kind of thing,' she said at the time.

'It's not the norm but it should be.'

- 'Anything that breaks the stereotype has to be a good thing.

It's something that I want to have under my belt.'

- Chantelle Crowl, 30, is known for her successes as an England and Super League rugby star - but when she's away from the pitch, she travels the country in a HGV.

- Due to the flexibility of lorry driving, she is able to work her trucking job around her training schedule.

- When I worked in an office, if they had a radio, it used to really wind me up… So she left her kids in the care of family… Very hard in the beginning," Two Eagle said.

…Two Eagle did likewise with her work at Mitchell Tech.

It was a big moment for her.

…But they all made it work, Two Eagle said, and that made her graduation as much a celebration of them as it is of her.

- Ms Naliaka says she has become better at the work with time.

If it’s a ‘no, stand firm, if you can’t manage it, just speak up.

Here are the key sentences extracted based on their relevance to your request about women succeeding in heavy machinery roles, breaking gender barriers, inspiring case studies, and greater gender equality and diversity in construction/maritime industries:

- LUS Fiber hires first woman lineworker, a graduate of the SLCC Power Lineman program.

Title:

Content: LUS Fiber hires first woman lineworker, a graduate of the SLCC Power Lineman program

Ashley White
Lafayette Daily Advertiser
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When Lafayette residents look up at the bucket of an LUS Fiber truck they could see Jewel Everett — the company's first woman lineworker.

Everett has been shadowing other workers, learning everything to do with the fiber optic business.

She enrolled in South Louisiana Community College's Power Lineman program and, after getting outfitted with clothing and equipment small enough to fit her, jumped right into working at LUS Fiber.

"I really wanted to go to school for that specific program because it gave me opportunities to either go for electric (line work) or anything that requires bucket trucks or climbing poles," Everett said.

Everett, who enjoys being in the bucket making repairs, said the most challenging part has been lifting and balancing the larger equipment, like the ladders that are more than 20 feet long. But when she conquers those challenges - like the time she had to hang a cross tie during school - it makes the job worth it.

"I’ve always liked doing hard work, and doing hard work comes with making good money and also helping people in a big way," Everett said.

At LUS Fiber, she'll install fiber lines on overhead poles, splice fiber cable, climb poles or use ladders to access fiber infrastructure, and install advanced network gear at locations across Lafayette and Acadiana.

The 25-week program at SLCC includes training students to receive their CDL license, learning first aid, receiving training specific to being a lineworker, learning to work buckets and how to climb utility poles.

"That was one of the good things about having her go to the SLCC program. It’s allowing them to learn the basics and then quickly jump to their next role," said Ryan Meche, director of LUS Fiber. "Once we found clothes that fit her and got her rigged out, she was literally the next day climbing the poles getting work done."

The program was created after Charlotte LeLeux, director of transportation, distribution, and logistics, was approached by utility companies about the dwindling workforce and a need for lineworkers.

The program's first cohort graduated in January 2020. All 16 people had jobs lined up before their graduation day.

Everett was the program's first woman graduate, an honor for SLCC, LeLeux said. LeLeux, who received her CDL license more than 20 years ago, knew some of the obstacles women can face in fields of work traditionally dominated by men.

"When Jewel came in, we had that conversation. I said, 'When you face obstacles and somebody’s pushing back, you don’t think twice. You push back because you’re just as capable,' LeLeux said. "She’s definitely been a pioneer and paving the way for the young ladies that come behind her."

But Everett didn't look at it as a trailblazing opportunity but a way to do something she's interested in.

“You just have to do it, honestly," she said. "And you can’t be scared to do it."

Meche said he's glad Everett chose to work at LUS Fiber after graduation."We're really excited to have someone like Jewel join the workforce with a fresh perspective and highly motivated," Meche said. "We think this is going to be a huge asset and be pivotal to our success and some of these expansion efforts that we're going through."

Contact Ashley White at adwhite@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter at @AshleyyDi.

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

educational programs
vocational training

- A former Miss England finalist, an England rugby star and ex-finance worker: Meet the women who ditched their careers to drive 44-tonne lorries across Great Britain.

Title:

Content: A former Miss England finalist, an England rugby star and ex-finance worker: Meet the women who ditched their careers to drive 44-tonne lorries across Great Britain

A former Miss England finalist, current England rugby star and an ex-finance worker have shattered traditional gender stereotypes by pursuing their dream jobs of driving 44-tonne lorries across Great Britain.

Farmer's daughter and model Milly Everatt, rugby player Chantelle Crowl and Domino Homer, who worked a traditional office job since passing her GCSEs, are among the less than one per cent of women lorry drivers in the UK.

The trio have each earned their HGV licences and excelled in their dream career after having previously found success in other industries.

The drivers are now hoping that they can inspire other women to join their ranks and pursue careers on the road.

Milly Everatt, 23, (pictured) from Eastoft, Lincolnshire, swapped her high-heels for high-vis after having been the first runner-up for Miss England 2022

Domino Homer (pictured) began pursuing her Class 1 certification after seeing an advertisement on Facebook promoting a company that was offering to take on a driver and put them through the first exam

Milly Everatt

Milly Everatt, 23, from Eastoft, Lincolnshire, swapped her high-heels for high-vis after having been the first runner-up for Miss England 2022.

Miss Everatt had been competing in professional beauty pageants since 2017 and was titled Miss Lincolnshire in 2018. That same year she was crowned Miss Charity after raising the most money for good causes.

But last year, the beauty queen and former model ditched the catwalk and trained for both her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence so she could fulfil her dream of becoming a lorry driver.

Now, after having undertook a series of in-depth tests, she is living her live on the open road and driving 44-tonne high tech vehicles across the UK.

'It's been so much fun getting behind the wheel of a big truck as part of my new day job!' Miss Everatt has said. 'I love having the freedom that comes with driving, as it takes me all around the country, and the wages are great too.'

The former pageant competitor was inspired to pursue her dream of becoming a trucker after the Covid pandemic, Brexit and other factors led to a shortage of lorry drivers across the country.

Miss Everatt grew up on a farm and around heavy machinery. She would drive tractor's around the property and believed the step up to driving a large truck was the next logical progression in her career.

Miss Everatt (pictured) had been competing in professional beauty pageants since 2017 and was titled Miss Lincolnshire in 2018. That same year she was crowned Miss Charity after raising the most money for good causes

But last year, beauty queen and former model Miss Everatt (pictured) ditched the catwalk and trained for both her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence so she could fulfil her dream of becoming a lorry driver

Miss Everatt (pictured in a truck) was inspired by the fact that less than one per cent of British HGV drivers are female. She says the evolving industry is 'really exciting' and is encouraging other women to join their ranks.

She was also inspired by the fact that less than one per cent of British HGV drivers are female. She says the evolving industry is 'really exciting' and is encouraging other women to join their ranks.

'For any women who are thinking of getting into logistics, my best advice is just to do it,' she said. 'With so many roles and training opportunities available, it's a really exciting industry to get involved with.'

Last year, while she was training for her licence, Miss Everatt advocated for normalising the path for women in the heavy machinery industry.

'I think we're in modern times and there's nothing to stop girls getting involved in that kind of thing,' she said at the time. 'It's not the norm but it should be. It's also something people don't think about often, it's not thought about enough in feminism.

'I know some farmers daughters who don't do anything to help their parents farm. Agriculture has been forgotten about by feminism.

'Anything that breaks the stereotype has to be a good thing. I want to prove its not just 40-year-old men that do this job and if it inspires other women to do the same, that would be amazing.'

She also previously revealed that obtaining an HGV licence had been a longtime dream of hers and would aid her work on the farm.

She said: 'It was always on my list of things to do. I should've done it at 18. But I was doing my A-Levels and then the pandemic happened so I put it off.

'It's something that I want to have under my belt. I have horses so it could help for that and I can use it to take grain in - it's something I'll use everyday while I'm on the farm.'

Miss Everatt (pictured with a horse) grew up on a farm and around heavy machinery. She would drive tractor's around the property and believed the step up to driving a large truck was the next logical progression in her career

Last year, while she was training for her licence , Miss Everatt (pictured in her crown and Miss Lincoln sash) advocated for normalising the path for women in the heavy machinery industry

Chantelle Crowl

Chantelle Crowl, 30, is known for her successes as an England and Super League rugby star - but when she's away from the pitch, she travels the country in a HGV.

Ms Crowl, born in Toronto, Canada, and has been playing rugby since she was eight years old.

However, in her free time the St Helens and England forward delivers beer kegs and other vital items to pubs and clubs around Britain.

Due to the flexibility of lorry driving, she is able to work her trucking job around her training schedule. She loves the flexibility of the industry and how she significant control over how much and how long she works.

Commenting on the lack of women in the industry, she added: 'My advice would be to just go for it, if it’s what you want to do. This is a free world and an equal opportunity for anyone to be part of no matter what or where.'

Chantelle Crowl, 30, (pictured in her lorry) is known for her successes as an England and Super League rugby star - but when she's away from the pitch, she travels the country in a HGV. Due to the flexibility of lorry driving, she is able to work her trucking job around her training schedule

Ms Crowl said she also reaps the benefits of being a trucker when she's on the pitch.

She claims her lorry job keeps her 'fit and strong for rugby', because she chooses to take on some of the heavier lifting tasks that might otherwise be carried out by two or three people, or even a machine.

The athlete added that she often feels 'extra fit if I've had a hard day at work'.

Domino Homer

A former finance worker walked away from her career to pursue her dream of living life on the road and now works for a family-run trucking firm, Buffaload Logistics.

Domino Homer, XX, worked in a traditional office environment ever since finishing her GCSEs, including working for a mortgage broker and as an office assistant.

Mrs Homer had moved out of her family home at a young age and 'didn't really have a lot of funds', she told MailOnline, which made it hard for her to determine which career path to take.

But in 2021 - after working for years in roles she was not passionate about - she funded her own Class 2 licence after leaving the financial industry. She secured her Class 1 licence the following year to become a fully qualified HGV driver.

'I didn't really even at school really know what I wanted to do. I thought maybe hairdressing,' she recalled.

'Then I thought, you know, I've always seen big trucks on the road - and even driving in general, I've always enjoyed being on the road, whether it'd be a passenger or driving.'

She began pursuing her Class 1 certification after seeing an advertisement on Facebook promoting a company that was offering to take on a driver and put them through the first exam.

'I contacted them and they were really interested in me,' she said, adding that the 'lovely' family-run company had 'accepted me'.

However, it wasn't necessarily an easy road for Mrs Homer. She actually failed her Class 1 test the first time she took it.

'I was I think it was a stress of the day. It was really windy and there was a storm,' she told MailOnline, also citing the pressures of the pandemic as possible contributing factors.

'It's Covid of course, everyone's wearing masks, we don't have the windows open. And they weren't sure if they were going to let anyone actually go out because we were driving a wag and drag which was loaded with water and curtainside. We were quite blown around a bit.'

She did pass the second time she took the test and passed her Class 2 on the first try. Mrs Homer also has her full motorbike licence and car licence.

Former finance worker Domino Homer (pictured) walked away from her career to pursue her dream of living life on the road and now works for a family-run trucking firm, Buffaload Logistics

Mrs Homer, in 2021, funded her own Class 2 licence after leaving the financial industry. She secured her Class 1 licence the following year to become a fully qualified HGV driver. She is pictured outside her lorry

She now works night shifts, drives set deliveries and collections throughout her shift, and loves 'watching the world go by through a big widescreen and listening to my favourite podcasts'.

Mrs Homer loves driving, which was a longtime dream come true, but admits that it does have its challenges.

Besides the physical challenges she faces, she revealed that sometimes 'it can feel like you don't have much of a life'.

'The hours can be extremely long, sometimes you don't come home, you know you're, you're stuck out. It can be quite lonely,' she said.

But one of the benefits of driving a truck is meeting new people and the sense of freedom and independence, she explained.

'I like to have my own space. When I worked in an office, if they had a radio, it used to really wind me up. They'd always have the same radio station on every day. And you hear the same songs every day, more than once that day,' said Mrs Homer.

'Whereas you're doing you're in your truck, you know, you can listen to your music that you like or, or a podcast, for example. You know, it's your little space, like your office on wheels. You're surrounded by big windows and sometimes it's just a good peace and quiet.'

Mrs Homer is now encouraging other women to pursue careers in logistics and is advocating for a shift in perception about what working in the industry actually looks like.

'Follow your heart; the only way you'll know if your dream job is right for you is to give it a go,' she said. 'Life is too short to have regrets so go for it and don't let anything stop you.

'If it turns out that you were wrong, you can always change your career in the future and that's exactly what I did.'

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

- But last year, the beauty queen and former model ditched the catwalk and trained for both her Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence so she could fulfil her dream of becoming a lorry driver.

- Miss Everatt (pictured in a truck) was inspired by the fact that less than one per cent of British HGV drivers are female.

- She says the evolving industry is 'really exciting' and is encouraging other women to join their ranks.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

- 'I think we're in modern times and there's nothing to stop girls getting involved in that kind of thing,' she said at the time.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

changing social norms
variety of opportunities available

'It's not the norm but it should be.'

- 'Anything that breaks the stereotype has to be a good thing.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

Why are construction and maritime industries more popular with women nowadays?

It's something that I want to have under my belt.'

- Chantelle Crowl, 30, is known for her successes as an England and Super League rugby star - but when she's away from the pitch, she travels the country in a HGV.

- Due to the flexibility of lorry driving, she is able to work her trucking job around her training schedule.

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

- When I worked in an office, if they had a radio, it used to really wind me up… So she left her kids in the care of family… Very hard in the beginning," Two Eagle said.

…Two Eagle did likewise with her work at Mitchell Tech.

Title:

Content: Mitchell Technical College's Stacy Two Eagle celebrates graduation from diesel program

May 10—MITCHELL — There was a time not that long ago when Stacy Two Eagle was feeling overwhelmed.

As a single mother of four enrolled in the diesel program at Mitchell Technical College, she was facing pressure from all sides. With children ranging in age from 16 years old to 7 years old in the Mitchell School District and a challenging school program at Mitchell Tech to navigate herself, she wasn't sure if she could hold on and complete her studies.

"I know once or twice in the beginning of the second year I was talking to my oldest son. What if we just pack up and go back? Because this is hard," Two Eagle told the Mitchell Republic in a recent interview. "Figuring out money (was difficult). Figuring out school clothes. Figuring out whatever. I did one year, it will be OK."

The doubt was real, but it was then gone in a flash.

"We were both sitting there, and it was, 'No, we're going to finish.' Because there's always going to be something in your way. You just have to be determined and know what you want and figure out how to get it," Two Eagle said.

Two Eagle was determined, and she knew what she wanted. She had come from Two Strike, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation to obtain a degree in diesel technology, hopefully leading to a new career and a bigger and better world for her and her kids.

She completed that task Friday when she crossed the stage at the Corn Palace to receive her associates degree.

It was a big moment for Two Eagle, who had attended Black Hills State University out of high school, where she studied subjects like chemistry and early childhood education. But like many freshmen, she lacked focus and jumped from one discipline to another looking for a good fit. She changed her major several times, but never finished school.

At age 24 she had her first child and her life was changed forever. Following a divorce, she continued to raise her four kids and support them. Eventually, she found herself working with a construction crew, where she learned how to operate heavy machinery like loaders and scrapers. It was after she had gained some proficiency on the equipment that she decided to return to the academic world.

She learned about the diesel technology program at Mitchell Tech through research on the internet. It sounded intriguing, and the program boasted a 100% employment placement rate for students following graduation.

"I started wanting to know more about the equipment and what makes it run and how I could learn more," Two Eagle said. "I just started searching for places that had a diesel program, and Mitchell Tech was the one that came up. And then I was looking at the employability after school, and that's what intrigued me."

She would return to school as a non-traditional student, defined as students over the age of 21. According to Mitchell Tech, 12% of 922 students classified under on-campus enrollment are non-traditional.

It was a new opportunity for Two Eagle, who admits she was nervous about the challenges ahead but soon jumped on board.

Two Eagle enrolled at Mitchell Tech in 2022, and for a time during her first year she was unable to find a good housing option. So she left her kids in the care of family members back home and lived out of a hotel in Mitchell during the week. When the week was over, she headed back to Two Strike where she would reunite with her children for a couple of days before returning to Mitchell the next week to continue her studies.

She multitasked to keep up, combining tasks like studying with watching her son's football games.

Eventually she found a housing option in Mitchell that would allow her and her kids to be together under one roof. The kids — sons Morrigan, Gideon and Milo and daughter Grace, now ages 16, 13, 11 and 7, respectively — were enrolled in the Mitchell School District, and Two Eagle continued with her studies at Mitchell Tech. Their situation was improving, even if it was still a big life change for everybody.

"I was driving back and forth for a while until I found a place. So it was hard. Very hard in the beginning," Two Eagle said. "And it was hard because we were used to wide open spaces and were used to family being right over the hill, so it's different. It's an adjustment."

Despite the differences, Mitchell afforded opportunities they wouldn't have had back home. There were expanded opportunities for the kids in the school district, and far less hours spent on the road driving back and forth.

As the kids dived in and embraced their new school district, Two Eagle did likewise with her work at Mitchell Tech. While a keen study of subjects, the diesel program provided plenty of challenges for her, though she credits instructors like Joel Rassel and the hands-on learning nature of the program itself with helping her stay the course.

The courses were engaging, and in some cases fun. When students were allowed to bring in personal repair projects during her second year, she brought in her dad's old 1996 Ford diesel pickup to see if she could get it running again. It had performed recent duty back home as a "lawn ornament," according to Two Eagle.

After diagnosing the problem, a part was ordered and installed by Two Eagle. The truck has since roared back to life, and her dad, who has overcome medical challenges recently, was expected to see it running when he arrived in Mitchell to attend Two Eagle's graduation Friday. Other family members have asked for video of the truck starting up through their online group chat.

Two Eagle was used to working in a male-dominated field from her experience as a heavy equipment operator, but it was important to show her kids that she could perform just as well as the men in an academic setting, as well. She found support in the program despite being a woman and a little older than the traditional students, most of whom were just out of high school.

"I felt like I had to show my daughter how it can be done, because I'm entering a mainly male field. That's (also) how it was when I was operating heavy equipment," Two Eagle said. "Even as an operator, you face some pushback from the men because they don't think you can do everything that they can. I had to show my daughter that women can do anything men can do."

As her second year at Mitchell Tech inched closer to conclusion, she began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her goal was in reach, and after several attempts that came up short in the past, graduation was suddenly right around the corner.

It was a big moment for her. She was proud to finish the program for herself, but even more so for her children. A better job means better pay and better opportunities for her kids, and showing her daughter that a woman could succeed in a field traditionally dominated by men was important as well.

Her emotions bubble to the surface thinking about their journey — the drives and long nights, the studying, the time management, the tests and family health issues all added to a weight on her shoulders. The budding diesel mechanic even had to deal with personal vehicle breakdowns. Her kids had sacrificed for Two Eagle's goals, as well, uprooting to a new town hours away from their friends and family and navigating the halls of a new school system.

But they all made it work, Two Eagle said, and that made her graduation as much a celebration of them as it is of her.

"I wasn't going to uproot my kids and take them away from their grandparents for nothing. We have to finish. I'm taking them all out of school (Friday) so they can help me get ready (for graduation). This is their degree more than it's mine," Two Eagle said, her voice cracking.

With graduation complete, Two Eagle has options she did not have before. Diesel mechanics are in demand across the country, which gives her a chance to find work practically anywhere.

For the moment, however, she wants to celebrate the achievement with her friends and family.

Following graduation on Friday, Two Eagle and family were expected to head home and reconnect with friends and loved ones. A bonfire is planned, great for roasting hot dogs and smores. The four kids still have a week left of school left in Mitchell, so they'll come back to wrap up the school year, but after that Two Eagle will ponder her choices. It will even make for a memorable Mother's Day, which is Sunday, May 12.

She doesn't rule out an eventual return to Mitchell. The family has grown fond of the community over the last two years, treating it as somewhat of a home away from home. And the Mitchell Tech campus could even host another member of the family in the future, with her oldest son interested in welding.

Knowing the support she received there and the affordability of the program compared to some of her past educational ventures, she has experienced firsthand the benefits of studying there.

"I told him, if you come back you won't feel homesick. It will feel familiar to you and you'll be able to finish. I think that's what gets a lot of kids when they first get to school. They get homesick and miss their family, but at least here they'll have some memories," Two Eagle said.

But those are decisions for down the road. For now, the goal is to celebrate and relish the doors that have been opened to her and her future. Through all the long nights of driving and studying, balancing the schedules of an entire household of people going to school all the while dealing with unexpected challenges that life can throw, she finally did it.

She finished.

"I can't even verbalize how excited I am. I honestly thought I would give up at some point because of how hard it was. There were so many struggles," Two Eagle said. "(But) there's always going to be something in your way, so the only thing you can do is to do it."

What specific groups of women have been entering the construction industry in greater numbers recently?

It was a big moment for her.

…But they all made it work, Two Eagle said, and that made her graduation as much a celebration of them as it is of her.

What positive experiences are highlighted in the personal stories of successful women in construction and maritime industries, especially of female crane operators?

- Ms Naliaka says she has become better at the work with time.

Title:

Content: Careers

Female transit trucker on navigating gender hurdles

Industries traditionally dominated by men are making meaningful efforts to attract more women to their workforces. But just how do they get the balance right?

It’s a concern Irene Naliaka, now in her tenth year as a professional driver working with Sahara Motors, wrestles with.

They transport imported vehicles from the Mombasa Port to Kampala, Uganda.

Her interest in driving led her to seek a job in the field.

"I was desperate for a job and I had to question myself as to what I could do comfortably. I had tried my hand on a lot of things, but then driving earned it."

Women can assume roles in male-dominated areas. But the reality of being a woman only hit Ms Naliaka when she started working.

"Driving for me is a hobby, so it never seemed strange when I took up the work offer. However, I was the only woman on the team but they made it easy for me to blend in."

Ms Naliaka says she has become better at the work with time.

"I am looking forward to driving even harder machines, such as the top loader operators,'' she says.

Her first trip was not easy. ''It was a decision that I had made and I knew that I wanted to drive, but I was not ready for it to be honest. I remember when one of my sisters asked me if I was normal and that I should look for a different job,'' she says.

Read: The future of women at work

As a mother of four with a nine-month-old baby, it was hard for her.

"On my first assignment, I turned up with my baby, I had my son's bag and my bag. My employer thought it was a joke that I was travelling with a little baby, but then I didn't have anyone to look after him and I needed to get the job done," she says

Ms Naliaka's first trip to Kampala took more than 24 hours, whereas drivers are expected to reach Kampala in 16 hours. Many working mothers struggle with the challenges of getting ahead in their careers and the guilt of not being home all the time.

How will I manage to be part of my children's life? Will my absence be worth it? How will I explain to them that I have to be away? These were the questions that stalked Ms Naliaka.

She talks of restraining her duties as a mother and trying to find balance. Mostly, Ms Naliaka would be on the road for four days and get three days to be home and vice versa if the cycle changed.

Before her travel, she says, "I have to make sure I sleep well because our highways can be very terrible. I wake up as early as 5 am so that I talk to my little boys and see them off for school by 6 am."

"I then prepare and leave the house at 8 am because I need to be at the car pickup point by 10 am to manage the clearance process and be ready to leave at around 3 pm. We leave Mombasa in a convoy, which means we have to journey as a team to Kampala,’’ she adds

According to Ms Naliaka, the power of choosing to be a working mom cannot be underestimated. She has to deal with being a fatigued parent though it gets better with time.

How did she find her voice?

"At the beginning of 2013, my husband was involved in a serious car accident, he lost two spinal discs, the L5 and thorax 7 and that left him immobilised. Two years after the accident, I had to find something to do as his medication took most of my savings. So I had to put food on the table and make sure he got his medication. My husband had his reservations at first, but these were his words, 'I know you are a strong woman, you can do it, but this is too hard'," Ms Naliaka says.

She continues, " It was not easy, we had fights in between because of the long absence, but in the end, it worked after he saw that I could do it. At the moment he is slowly regaining his mobility."

Her husband is a maths teacher.

Does she have moments when she feels like she should take a seat back from the industry?

"Yes. When I started, the migration process was a thorn in the flesh situation. I used to waste hours to be cleared and that interfered with my travel back home. But I came to make terms with the slow clearance," she says.

It also meant pacing herself because work and mothering need to be done.

Irene Naliaka poses for a photo on March 04, 2024 at Nation Centre building in Nairobi. PHOTO | BILLY OGADA | NMG

Challenges

"The roads are never the same, the weather keeps changing every time," she says.

"In the Rift Valley, we sometimes get hailstorms just out of nowhere. That's when professionalism comes in, you slow down, use the lights to indicate because you've got to manage your space, use the heater to heat the car and the windscreen to clear the precipitation. There was a time when I couldn't do it because it was too intense, so I'd just pulled over to the roadside and wait for the storm to clear,’’ she adds.

She has also encountered her fair share of ruthless truck drivers.

''Women are naturally wired to be soft, in some cases, you might be driving and enjoying your moment and a truck honks carelessly and it might frighten you to lose track.''

Ms Naliaka also recounts how unfair the male-dominated industry might be for women.

"Men feel we are fighting for their position. From my experience and the type of work I do, men don't want women on the roads. There was a time when a boss told a short lady that she could not drive, but there are short men on the job too," she points out.

Read: What women leaders sacrifice to 'have it all'

As women continue to break through the glass ceiling and navigate their way in the workplace, Ms Naliaka is proud to have had only one accident in 10 years.

"You have to be brave, be yourself, be bold, don't be afraid to speak up because that will always get you through. If it's a 'no, stand firm, if you can't manage it, just speak up. It's always good to ask," she says.

[email protected]

If it’s a ‘no, stand firm, if you can’t manage it, just speak up.


Certainly!

Here are the extracted key sentences from your provided text, focused on the shift toward gender equality and diversity in the construction and maritime industries, the breaking down of traditional gender barriers, and how women are excelling in these roles:

---

- Women are increasingly becoming crane operators, challenging a historically male-dominated industry.

- Besides, a woman has been assigned the job for Hyva operator.

- However, the benefits of promoting gender diversity in the waste management sector aren’t exclusive to women; they extend to their employers as well.

- Women like Nathalie van de Poel, Maria Willshee, Heather Gould and Hilary Hart aren’t only contributing to recycling and waste management at the highest level; they are also making a difference at the community level.

- According to Skip Hire Glasgow specialist James David, fostering inclusivity in hiring practices is a good starting place.

- In nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male.

- The term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

- “I love the guys that I work with, we have a great team on site, but I would love for more and more women to step into site roles in construction."

- "With my work at Caddick, I’ve been invited into schools and colleges to speak to the students about what it is we do."

- Reresi's entry into the mechanics sector of Warrior Industry is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed in a field where women are a rarity.

- As she continues to excel in her role, Rachael Reresi is not only challenging gender norms but also setting a precedent for future generations.

- The construction industry remains focused on building a more diverse and inclusive labour force.

- She says she was often the only woman on the side of the road patching and pounding so gaining respect wasn’t easy.

- We are just as smart.

Certainly!

Title:

Content: News

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Detroit woman holds high rank in construction industry, encourages other women to join

Posted at 8:52 AM, Sep 01, 2022
and last updated 2022-09-01 08:52:20-04

(WXYZ) — A Detroit woman who started out filling potholes in the city is now in a position of power becoming one of the only women in the country to be crowned Superintendent of Street Maintenance.

Patricia Henderson is a woman that is about her business.

She works, sometimes around the clock, helping to make sure Detroit streets are smooth. And now, she's encouraging other women in the area to see a future in construction.

“My job initially, was to fill potholes,” Henderson said.

Henderson started working for the city in 1998. She says she was often the only woman on the side of the road patching and pounding so gaining respect wasn’t easy.

“The men thought that I couldn’t do the job so they would purposely not do something and leave it for me to do," Henderson said.

But instead of caving, she took control.

“I’ll go right on ahead and do it. I'll pick up the jackhammer, the shovel, whatever was available. I went on and done the job without their help,” she said.

She quickly began to rise in the ranks, but she says the feeling is bittersweet knowing more women are not following the path she's cleared.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only 13% of payroll employees in construction are women. This number has remained stagnant since the 90s.

As of 2019, Detroit ranked 44th in the country when it came to female construction workers.

“You identify a problem and you come up with solutions to eliminate that problem," MDOT spokesperson Aaron Jenkins said.

Jenkins says MDOT has created an on-the-job training program aimed at recruiting women and other minorities to join construction crews.

Since the program began, enrollment has more than doubled. The program started off with 56 women in 2017 and has grown to 126 as of 2021.

"The recruiting is working,” Jenkins said.

Henderson says she has hired more women under her leadership including in her supervising staff and she wants to encourage others to take the chance.

"I would tell women, go for it. Who better than us to do it? We are just as strong. We are just as smart. We are just as dominant as the male. We can do it, I’m a witness. I've done it.”

If you'd like to learn more about MDOT's job training program, click here.

Here are the extracted key sentences from your provided text, focused on the shift toward gender equality and diversity in the construction and maritime industries, the breaking down of traditional gender barriers, and how women are excelling in these roles:

---

- Women are increasingly becoming crane operators, challenging a historically male-dominated industry.

Title:

Content: Women Breaking Barriers in Waste Management

A quiet but significant revolution is underway in the gritty world of skip hire and waste management, where heavy machinery and hard hats have long been synonymous with the male workforce. Women are securing roles traditionally dominated by men, reshaping the landscape of the waste management industry.

Gender diversity in waste management industries like skip-hire has long been a challenge. Data has shed light on the underrepresentation of women in specialist roles and, industry surveys report that women constitute only 24% of the total waste management workforce in the US.

Historically, we can trace the reason for this gap back to several factors. One significant reason has been the physical nature of the work, often involving heavy lifting, manual labour, and the operation of machinery. These physical demands led to misconceptions that the field was better suited for men. Gender stereotypes have played a significant role, perpetuating the idea that women do not have the necessary skills or interest in waste management.

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has invested extensively in research on the role of gender in waste management. They have deemed it critical to recognise the importance of promoting gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields such as skip hire, from gender diversity bringing a wealth of benefits such as providing diverse perspectives to addressing labour shortages that the industry faces.

However, the benefits of promoting gender diversity in the waste management sector aren’t exclusive to women; they extend to their employers as well. According to a recent report by FP Analytics, “Women as Levers of Change,”, companies that actively promote gender equality across all levels have demonstrated tangible positive business impacts. These include heightened competitiveness, increased profitability, and a stronger commitment to environmental responsibility.

Women Breaking Barriers in Waste Management

As attitudes shift towards viewing “waste as a resource”, and the industry pivots away from landfilling towards waste prevention and circular economy principles, more women are discovering the sector as an appealing career choice. From skip truck drivers navigating city streets with finesse to women managing recycling, waste management and skip-hire companies and advocating for diversity, their contributions are reshaping the industry’s future.

Nathalie van de Poel, Commercial Manager and co-creator of the Purified Metal Company (PMC) exemplifies a woman taking a leadership role in the waste management sector. PMC, a state-of-the-art processing plant situated in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, specialises in recycling hazardous steel scrap into premium raw material:

“The idea to recycle asbestos-contaminated steel was born 10 years ago.” Overcoming countless obstacles, including securing €70 million in funding and hiring 30 employees, PMC has finally reached fruition. “It was a long journey, with some saying it was impossible, but we stayed strong and built a solid business case.”

Another example of women leading the way in waste management is Maria Willshee, a founding Director of Willshees, a Midlands-based waste and recycling business. Recognised as a Top 200 UK women-powered business by global private bank J. P. Morgan, Willshee’s secured the 59th position in its annual UK Women-Powered Business Report.

And recognised in last year’s list were sisters Heather Gould and Hilary Hart, principal owners of waste management specialist CSG. Based in Fareham, their four daughters also work as part of the business, while half of its eight directors are women.

Women like Nathalie van de Poel,  Maria Willshee, Heather Gould and Hilary Hart aren’t only contributing to recycling and waste management at the highest level; they are also making a difference at the community level. In 2018, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) embarked on a groundbreaking global survey targeting women working within the waste sector. For the first time, this unique endeavour asked women to classify their work using Ad Lansink’s waste hierarchy, often referred to as “Lansink’s Ladder.” The findings from 73 countries revealed that 51.6% of respondents were engaged in waste prevention, reuse/repair, and recycling. Highlighting the substantial role that women play as managers of household waste, their critical contributions form the backbone of responsible waste management and have a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and community well-being.

But how can we encourage more women into the industry as a whole? According to Skip Hire Glasgow specialist James David, fostering inclusivity in hiring practices is a good starting place.

Waste management and skip-hire companies can proactively embrace strategies to foster inclusivity in their hiring practices, by first recognising the importance of a diverse workforce. One such approach is reevaluating traditional hiring processes to be more inclusive. This includes rewriting job descriptions to emphasise skills and qualifications over gender or background, ensuring job postings reach a broader audience through diverse channels, and actively seeking out untapped talent pools. Skip hire companies that prioritise diversity not only bolster their internal culture but also project a positive image to the public and potential clients, positioning themselves as socially responsible and equality-driven businesses.

Partnerships with vocational schools and community organisations can play a pivotal role in encouraging individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to explore careers in waste management and skip hire for example. And this fresh approach, says James David of JustHire, is precisely what the industry needs:

“Inclusivity in hiring practices is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage that propels the skip hire industry forward. We should celebrate the women who are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse industry, for their inspiration and resilience. The further potential for women in waste management and skip hire is promising, and inclusive business practice and a heightened awareness of the positive impacts of gender equality on companies all present a win-win scenario.”

Companies that think creatively about investing in recruitment programs will ultimately benefit the most. By intentionally attracting a more diverse range of candidates, including more women, they can help transform the landscape of the waste management industry for the better.

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

- Besides, a woman has been assigned the job for Hyva operator.

Title:

Content: Follow Us:

Woman breaks gender barrier to operate Hyva

Subodh Pandey, Vice President, TSM, congratulated the new recruits and interacted with them along with other executives of TSM Sandeep Dhir, Chief, Human Resource Business Partner, Subrata Basak, Chief, Logistics Operation and Suvransu Sekhar Rout, Chief, RMHS & Raw Material Processing Plant, TSM.

Statesman News Service | Bhubaneswar |

Breaking the gender barrier, four women employees are on the strenuous job as Stacker-cum Reclaimer (SCR) raw material handling system (RMHS) at the Tata Steel Meramandali (TSM) in Dhenkanal district of Odisha.

Besides, a woman has been assigned the job for Hyva operator. It is for the first time that female employees will shoulder the responsibilities as SCR operators in Tata steel’s Meramandali unit, the company said in a statement.

Subodh Pandey, Vice President, TSM, congratulated the new recruits and interacted with them along with other executives of TSM Sandeep Dhir, Chief, Human Resource Business Partner, Subrata Basak, Chief, Logistics Operation and Suvransu Sekhar Rout, Chief, RMHS & Raw Material Processing Plant, TSM.

 “We are extremely pleased to have you in our team as this marks a monumental milestone on gender balance among the workforce in the plant. While accelerating our commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, this measure will also encourage more girls to look for such jobs”, Pandey said.

 “As a responsible corporate, we not only strongly believe in the diversity of our human capital but also guide our vendor partners to imbibe our beliefs and contribute to it. This is directed to reimagining how a job gets done, reshaping the team and empowering employees wherever they work”, Basak said while speaking on the occasion.

Breaking the barrier, the female SCR operators with Diploma in Mechanical Engineering underwent safety induction and on the job training, prior to their on boarding for stacking and reclaiming operation, considered mostly as a male-only job, the statement added.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

- However, the benefits of promoting gender diversity in the waste management sector aren’t exclusive to women; they extend to their employers as well.

- Women like Nathalie van de Poel, Maria Willshee, Heather Gould and Hilary Hart aren’t only contributing to recycling and waste management at the highest level; they are also making a difference at the community level.

- According to Skip Hire Glasgow specialist James David, fostering inclusivity in hiring practices is a good starting place.

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

- In nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male.

Title:

Content: Women severely underrepresented in construction, but that’s changing

What you need to know:

  • In nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male.
  • The term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

Across the country, construction sites are a hive of activity, with the government’s ambitious affordable housing project leading the charge. Whenever I pass through these bustling sites, I can’t help but notice the workers clad in overalls, their faces dusted with cement powder as they push wheelbarrows brimming with mortar. Amidst this flurry of activity, one figure stands out – the foreman, barking instructions and overseeing the skilled artisans, or fundis, as they are commonly known.

Interestingly, in nearly every construction site I encounter, the workforce is overwhelmingly male. Rarely do I spot a woman among the fundis, save for the occasional food vendor. Historically, the construction industry has been a predominantly male bastion, a fact reflected in the terminology we use – the term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

While the underrepresentation of women in this field is a global issue, the challenges faced by women in this industry are particularly pronounced in Africa. This gender imbalance reflects a deeper, systemic issue within the construction sector. For too long, this industry has been perceived as a ‘man’s playground’, with women often relegated to peripheral roles or excluded entirely. The reasons for this disparity are multifaceted, ranging from societal norms and gender stereotypes, to a lack of equal opportunities and support systems for women seeking careers in this field.

Limited access to education and training opportunities, particularly in Stem fields, hinders women’s preparedness for technical roles. Furthermore, societal expectations and domestic responsibilities frequently clash with the demanding nature of construction work, making it difficult for women to balance their professional and personal lives. This gender imbalance not only perpetuates inequality but also deprives the industry of the valuable contributions and perspectives that women can bring to the table. However, times are changing, and more women are breaking into the industry, driven by their passion, determination, and desire to contribute to community development. Despite obstacles such as teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and societal pressures, many carved out their place in this male-dominated field.

Their stories are a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering commitment to pursuing their dreams. From the high school dropout who found her calling on a construction site, to the young mother who juggled parenting responsibilities while mastering the art of bricklaying, these women have shattered stereotypes and proved that no challenge is too great when met with an indomitable spirit. Through their journeys, they have not only acquired valuable skills and experience but have also become beacons of inspiration for others.

This week, we celebrate these trailblazers, exploring their unique paths and the lessons they have learned along the way. Their stories offer a candid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives, from navigating male-dominated workplaces to balancing family responsibilities with demanding careers. As we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society, it is imperative that we challenge the deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes that have traditionally kept women on the sidelines of the construction industry.

The government can play a pivotal role by implementing initiatives that support and empower women in this field, including investing in educational programmes, vocational training, mentorship opportunities, and inclusive policies that promote gender equality and non-discrimination. This way, we can empower a new generation of women to take their rightful place alongside their male counterparts, ushering in an era of diversity and excellence in this vital sector.

Empowering women in the construction industry can have far-reaching benefits, contributing to the overall advancement of gender equality and sustainable development in the country.

- The term ‘foreman’ is deeply ingrained in our collective lexicon, while phrases like ‘forewoman’ or the more inclusive ‘foreperson’ remain relatively uncommon.

- “I love the guys that I work with, we have a great team on site, but I would love for more and more women to step into site roles in construction."

Title:

Content: Jump directly to the content
NAILING IT

I’m a female builder – people are always shocked when I turn up on site, especially when I have my lashes and nails done

WHEN they first meet her, people are often surprised by construction worker Georgia Harper's choice of career.

Come rain or shine, the 22-year-old can be found on muddy building sites four days a week, working in a still predominantly male-dominated environment.

For Georgia though - who works as a trainee site engineer for Caddick Construction - it's the best job in the world, and all she's ever wanted to do.

Now, she's determined to break down old, outdated stereotypes that come with the building industry, and inspire more women to pursue a career in construction.

However she does admit people are still often quite surprised when she tells them what she does, and when she turns up to sites.

She says: "People always ask 'Why would you want to do that? It's dirty and cold'.

"I like to have my nails and eyelashes done from time to time, so when people meet me, ‘a woman in construction’, it's not always what they expect.

"I always have a laugh on site when anybody asks for the engineer and I turn up, as they’re usually quite surprised!"

'It's in my blood'

Even as a child, Georgia knew she wanted to go into the building industry.

She says: "When I was a young girl at primary school, I would often ask my dad if I could go to work with him delivering materials to building sites.

"It was here really that my early passions for construction were set alight.

"I loved to see all the different jobs going on around me, bringing such a huge build to life.

"I’d just think to myself, “this is amazing!”

"It’s also worth mentioning that my grandfather was a building surveyor, so it’s definitely in my blood!

"I’ve always wanted to be a site manager so becoming an apprentice engineer on site was the perfect foot in the door; I was getting some real hands-on experience."

'I'm on site four days a week'

Georgia's passion for construction carried through after she left school, and she pursued it professionally.

She says: "After college, I was encouraged into a university course, in urban studies and planning that didn’t quite suit my learning style.

"I soon left the course to pursue a more hands-on route into the industry and found the perfect apprenticeship with Caddick.

"Now, I’m on construction sites four days a week, with just one day at a desk at college.

"Caddick has given me so many training opportunities in the short time I’ve been with them and I’ve already got a lot of courses under my belt from first aid to fire marshalling.

"Before I secured my apprenticeship, I did get in touch with my local planning department and a local architecture firm where I was able to do some work experience, which was brilliant."

'I want to inspire other women'

Now, Georgia couldn't imagine doing anything else.

She says: "I love what I do so much and I just can’t believe that I’ve found myself in this industry.

"A lot of what I do is groundwork for big building projects, so it’s really rewarding to know that none of the final build would be possible without those foundations.

"I’m so proud everyday to do what I do, especially in a male dominated environment.

"Inspiring other women to get into it is definitely something I love doing.

"One thing I hadn’t anticipated when taking up a trade, was the diversity of each working day and the amount of amazing people you meet.

"We have new tradespeople on site everyday so you’re constantly interacting with a whole range of new people."

'There are drawbacks'

However, Georgia admits it can be challenging at times working in such a male-dominated environment.

She says: "Being a young woman in construction doesn’t come without its drawbacks.

"There aren’t always older female role models on site and not having somebody to relate to can be challenging.

"That’s why it’s really important to me to help drive change regarding the industry’s demographic.

"It can also be very arduous in the winter when it’s dark and cold, but in summer when the sun’s out, it’s the best job in the world!

"I love the guys that I work with, we have a great team on site, but I would love for more and more women to step into site roles in construction.

"You often find that women in the industry lean towards office-based roles, whether that’s design and architecture or administration but women are perfect for this job.

"With my work at Caddick, I’ve been invited into schools and colleges to speak to the students about what it is we do.

"When I was studying, I was one of three girls on my course.

"Now, there’s more of a 50/50 split in those classrooms, and it’s so great to see the next wave of women in construction coming through."

Climbing the career ladder

For career-focused Georgia, the only way is up from here.

She says: "Having an apprenticeship definitely has a positive impact on your financial prospects.

"Because I've got real life experience that my university counterparts don’t necessarily have, it just gives you an extra step up from entry level.

"From my role now as trainee site engineer there are loads of progression routes and the money definitely grows as you climb that ladder."

Topics

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

- "With my work at Caddick, I’ve been invited into schools and colleges to speak to the students about what it is we do."

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

- Reresi's entry into the mechanics sector of Warrior Industry is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed in a field where women are a rarity.

Title:

Content: Advertisment

Breaking Barriers: Rachael Reresi Shines in Male-Dominated Mechanics at Warrior Industry

Rachael Reresi breaks stereotypes in a male-dominated field as a mechanic at Warrior Industry, embodying resilience and inspiring change.

Shivani Chauhan
Updated On
New Update

In a significant stride towards gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields, Rachael Reresi from East New Britain province has recently made headlines by joining Warrior Industry, a leading water tank manufacturing company located at Malahang Industrial area in Lae, as a mechanic. Hired in November 2023, Reresi's journey is not just about breaking stereotypes but also about excellence in a challenging work environment.

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Despite the gender imbalance, Reresi's former classmates from the National Polytechnic Institute of Papua New Guinea became her initial allies, easing her transition into this rugged terrain. Her determination and adaptability have turned heads, including that of Warrior's managing director, Reginald Sutton, who commends her for her hard work and team spirit.

Challenging Gender Norms

Reresi's entry into the mechanics sector of Warrior Industry is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed in a field where women are a rarity. Her ability to work seamlessly alongside her male counterparts, not just at her designated post by the machines but throughout the company, showcases her versatility and commitment to teamwork. This dynamic approach has not only earned her respect but also positioned her as a potential future leader within the company.

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Empowerment Through Education

The journey of Reresi, a 24-year-old graduate of the National Polytechnic Institute of Papua New Guinea, highlights the critical role of education in empowering individuals to pursue careers in fields they are passionate about, regardless of societal norms. Her academic achievements in mechanical engineering paved the way for her recruitment at Warrior Industry, proving that merit and skill are key to breaking down barriers.

Inspiration for Many

Reresi's story is more than just about personal achievement; it serves as an inspiration to many, especially young women aspiring to enter STEM fields. Her motto, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' from Philippians 4:13, reflects her strong faith and determination, elements that have been crucial in her journey. As she continues to excel in her role, Rachael Reresi is not only challenging gender norms but also setting a precedent for future generations.

As industries worldwide strive towards inclusivity and diversity, stories like Reresi's illuminate the path towards a more equitable workforce. Her success in the male-dominated field of mechanics at Warrior Industry underscores the importance of perseverance, skill, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.

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- As she continues to excel in her role, Rachael Reresi is not only challenging gender norms but also setting a precedent for future generations.

How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

appoint women to traditionally male roles

- The construction industry remains focused on building a more diverse and inclusive labour force.

Title:

Content: Short-term contractions in British Columbia’s construction sector are short lived, with the residential sector poised to drive growth to 2032

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — British Columbia’s construction sector enjoyed another strong year of growth in 2022, with investment levels in both the residential and non-residential sectors rising to peaks. The former was sustained by high levels of real-estate demand, while the latter was supported by a series of ongoing engineering-construction projects and strong investments in hospitals and health care facilities.

Construction demands are expected to contract in the near term, with elevated interest rates curbing residential demand and work concluding on key major non-residential projects.

BuildForce Canada released its 2023–2032 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward report for British Columbia today. It finds that after recording strong gains in 2021 and 2022, employment is poised to contract in the short term due to a modest decline in residential construction related to rising interest rates and the wind down of work on several major projects in the province. A series of increases follow through the remainder of the forecast period, mostly in the residential sector, with total employment reaching more than 4% above 2022 levels by 2032. These numbers are based on existing known demands and do not take into account the federal government’s goal to double the number of new homes built across Canada over the next 10 years, nor the anticipated increase in demand for construction services related to the retrofit of existing residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings to accommodate the electrification of the economy.

“British Columbia has been one of the busiest construction markets in Canada for several years, with many major non-residential projects stacked on top of a booming residential sector,” says Bill Ferreira, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada. “Although both will likely experience modest declines in activity in the short term, higher levels of migration into the province will boost residential construction activity across the medium and long terms, while activity in the non-residential sector will fluctuate with the ebb and flow of work on several major projects.”

A full analysis of British Columbia’s construction sector requires detailed looks at not only the provincial market as a whole, but also at the two key provincial sub-markets: the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Both have their own unique market conditions.

The Lower Mainland construction market, which includes Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, and Lillooet, accounts for approximately 60% of the province’s construction employment. Regional activity strengthened again in 2022, led by peak levels of investment in both the residential and non-residential sectors.

Total construction employment in the Lower Mainland construction market is expected to contract through to 2026, as losses in the residential sector offset gains in the non-residential sector. Thereafter, it rises to the end of the forecast period, increasing by 3% to 2032, with employment in the non-residential sector accounting for all of the increase. Residential employment is mostly unchanged.

The Vancouver Island construction market, which includes the Capital Region, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Alberni-Clayoquot, Strathcona, Comox Valley, Powell River, Mount Waddington, and Central Coast, also experienced growth in 2022. Activity was supported by a modest increase in residential investment and stronger growth in the non-residential sector. Construction employment is expected to contract by just over 3% across the forecast period, as residential employment declines by nearly 4% from its 2022 peak, and non-residential employment is virtually unchanged.

BuildForce Canada projects that British Columbia’s construction industry will need to recruit 52,600 additional workers over the forecast period to keep pace with expansion and replacement demands. More than 38,000 of those workers – or 20% of the 2022 construction labour force – are expected to retire during this period. Although the addition of almost 34,000 workers under the age of 30 from local recruitment efforts will help to offset these retirements, the labour force faces a near-term need for large numbers of experienced skilled workers. By 2032, the industry could face a deficit of 18,700 workers unless anticipated recruitment is increased.

The development of skilled tradespersons in the construction industry takes years, and often requires participation in a provincial apprenticeship program. New registrations in British Columbia’s 25 largest construction trade programs have fluctuated in recent years, despite an overall increase of 14% in employment between 2013 and 2019.

Based on projected new registrations and completion trends, several trades may be at risk of undersupplying the number of new journeypersons required by 2032. Trades within this group include Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Gas Fitter, Glazier, Heavy Equipment Operator, Industrial Instrumentation Technician, Industrial Mechanic, Insulator, Lather, Mobile Crane Operator, Painter and Decorator, Powerline Technician, Roofer, and Welder.

The construction industry remains focused on building a more diverse and inclusive labour force. To that end, efforts are ongoing to enhance the recruitment of individuals from groups traditionally under-represented in the province’s construction labour force, such as women, Indigenous People, and newcomers to Canada.

In 2022, there were approximately 33,500 women employed in British Columbia’s construction industry – a contraction of about 5% from 2021 levels. Of them, 31% worked directly in on-site construction. As a share of the total, women represented just 6% of the 182,100 tradespeople employed in the industry in 2022. That figure is unchanged from 2021.

The Indigenous population is another under-represented group that presents recruitment opportunities for British Columbia’s construction industry. In 2021, Indigenous workers accounted for 6.2% of the province’s construction labour force, which is a slight increase from 2016. It is also notably higher than the share of Indigenous People represented in the overall labour force. As the Indigenous population is the fastest growing in Canada and Indigenous workers seem predisposed to the pursuit of careers within the sector, there may be scope to further increase the recruitment of Indigenous People into the province’s construction industry.

The construction industry is also committed to the recruitment of newcomers to Canada. Historically, newcomers and more established immigrants have accounted for about one quarter of British Columbia’s construction workforce. With the province expected to welcome an average of just under 80,000 newcomers every year through 2032, based on historical settlement trends, the immigrant population will be a key potential source of labour force growth for the construction sector.

Increasing the participation rate of women, Indigenous People, and new Canadians could help British Columbia’s construction industry address its future labour force needs.

BuildForce Canada is a national industry-led organization that represents all sectors of Canada’s construction industry. Its mandate is to support the labour market development needs of the construction and maintenance industry. As part of these activities, BuildForce works with key industry stakeholders, including contractors, proponents of construction, labour providers, governments, and training providers to identify both demand and supply trends that will impact labour force capacity in the sector, and supports the career searches of job seekers wanting to work in the industry. BuildForce also leads programs and initiatives that support workforce upskilling, workforce productivity improvements, improvements to training modalities, human resource tools to support the adoption of industry best practices, as well as other value-added initiatives focused on supporting the industry’s labour force development needs. Visit www.buildforce.ca.

For further information, contact Bill Ferreira, Executive Director, BuildForce Canada, at [email protected] or 613-569-5552 ext. 2220.

This report was produced with the support and input of a variety of provincial construction and maintenance industry stakeholders. For local industry reaction to this latest BuildForce Canada report, please contact:

Chris Atchison
President
British Columbia Construction Association
(250) 818-9671

Kim Barbero
CEO
Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia
604-205-5058

Paul de Jong
President
Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
403-620-3781

Kelly Scott
President
BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association
604-436-0220

Rob Viccars
Communications & Marketing
Canadian Homebuilder’s Association of British Columbia
604-432-7112 ext. 301

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

CBJ Newsmakers

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How has the gender balance in the construction and maritime industries changed over recent decades?

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What are construction and maritime companies doing to promote and aid women in the field?

commit to gender equality in hiring practices

What are governments doing to promote and aid women in construction or maritime industries?

- She says she was often the only woman on the side of the road patching and pounding so gaining respect wasn’t easy.

How has the level of discrimination for female employees in the construction industry changed over recent decades?

What challenges do women in the construction and maritime  industries face?

- We are just as smart.