Labor officials in California marked Women in Construction Week with the launch of a statewide public awareness campaign aimed at increasing women’s participation in the building trades and strengthening equitable apprenticeship pathways.
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The initiative was introduced by the California Department of Industrial Relations and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). The “Women in Construction” campaign includes a public toolkit and a collection of personal stories designed to highlight apprenticeship opportunities, mentorship networks and long-term career advancement in construction.
State officials said campaign messaging was shaped by direct feedback from apprentices, journey-level workers, employers and members of the department’s Women in Construction Committee. The outreach effort underscores hands-on skill development, strong industry partnerships and the confidence-building benefits of structured apprenticeship programs.
The campaign will roll out through outdoor advertising, digital placements and social media channels to reach students, career changers and job seekers statewide.
Women account for more than half of the U.S. workforce but represent less than 4% of construction trades workers nationwide, according to department data. Officials say increasing representation is essential as California confronts growing demand for housing, infrastructure modernization and climate-resilient development projects.
To help close workforce gaps, California has committed more than $50 million in Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants. The funding supports expanded access to building trades careers for women and other historically underrepresented communities.
The apprenticeship expansion strategy aligns with a broader Five-Point Action Plan developed by DAS and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. The plan aims to modernize training systems, strengthen employer partnerships and ensure equitable access to high-quality, earn-while-you-learn career pathways.
Women in Construction Week, organized annually by the National Association of Women in Construction, takes place during the first full week of March. The observance recognizes women’s contributions to the industry while promoting recruitment and retention efforts nationwide.
Officials encourage interested individuals to explore apprenticeship programs and training resources through the Division of Apprenticeship Standards’ Women in Construction webpage, which outlines available opportunities for women and non-binary individuals seeking careers in the trades.
As California ramps up housing production and infrastructure investments, state leaders say expanding the skilled workforce — and ensuring broader participation — will be key to meeting long-term economic and sustainability goals.
Originally reported by Stasia DeMarco in OHS Online.
