A construction site in West Berkeley, California, offers a glimpse into what the future of the building industry could look like. There, a group of high school girls carries drywall, repairs flooring and installs protective ram board while working together to complete a home renovation for an elderly couple in their community.
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The project is led entirely by women through Girls Garage, a nonprofit program dedicated to teaching construction, design and building skills to girls and gender-expansive youth between the ages of nine and 18.
While such a scene may still seem unusual in many parts of the industry, it represents a growing movement to expand opportunities for women in construction — and to address the sector’s persistent labor shortage.
“Girls Garage is the first-ever nonprofit design and construction school for girls and gender-expansive youth ages nine to 18.”
Through courses in carpentry, welding, architecture and activist art, the organization equips young participants with practical skills while encouraging them to consider careers in construction and related fields.
The construction industry continues to face a major workforce challenge. An estimated 349,000 net new workers are needed across the sector, contributing to project delays, rising costs and slower development nationwide.
Despite the growing demand for skilled labor, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, women accounted for 11% of the overall construction workforce in 2024, including office positions. On active construction sites, that number drops dramatically to around 4%.
Closing that gap could provide a meaningful solution to workforce shortages while also diversifying the industry.
At the same time, many construction firms are beginning to recognize the value of more inclusive hiring practices. Companies are increasingly introducing flexible work schedules, mentorship programs and training initiatives designed to attract and retain women.
The skilled trades also offer strong earning potential. Data from Associated Builders and Contractors indicates women earn roughly 94 cents for every dollar earned by men in construction, one of the smallest pay gaps among major industries.
For many women, careers in construction can offer significantly higher wages than comparable roles in education or healthcare.
Programs focused on training young women are helping to challenge long-standing assumptions about who belongs in the construction industry.
One example is Erica Chu, a Girls Garage participant who joined the program at age 10 and remained involved until she was 18. She later studied civil engineering at San José State University and secured a job as a project engineer at NOVO Construction before graduating.
Her experience reflects how early exposure to construction education can open doors to long-term career opportunities.
Another example is Christine Cox, CEO of Custom Drywall, who expanded her family’s drywall business without formal construction training and now supports initiatives like Girls Garage.
These success stories illustrate how mentorship, training and community support can help more women enter and thrive in the industry.
The West Berkeley renovation project also highlights the broader impact of these initiatives. Working alongside the Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, Girls Garage participants completed the home renovation earlier this year.
The project concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders and community partners.
For the homeowners, the work means returning to a safer and improved house. For the young builders involved, the experience offers hands-on training and a chance to see how construction can positively affect communities.
Programs like Girls Garage demonstrate how expanding access to construction education can strengthen the workforce while empowering the next generation of builders.
Originally reported by Emily Pilloton-Lam and Miriam Warren in Construction Dive.
