Miron Construction is doubling down on its mission to “bulldoze stereotypes” in the building industry — this time by bringing its Build Like a Girl event to Milwaukee for the first time.

On July 17, the Neenah-based contractor will host its ninth annual Build Like a Girl event — but while it’s usually held at Miron’s corporate headquarters in Neenah, this year’s program will also take place at its Milwaukee office, welcoming girls in grades 7–10 from 17 local schools.

The goal? To introduce young women to the real opportunities — and real earning power — available to them in construction.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up just about 10% of the construction industry overall, and only 4.3% of the skilled trades workforce. Meanwhile, the Associated Builders and Contractors estimates the industry needs more than 400,000 new workers to meet demand — and getting more girls interested in the trades is key to filling that gap.

This year’s Milwaukee event will be held at the Frank Productions Concerts Live project site at 1051 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. Attendees will hear from women already building careers in the industry, tour an active jobsite, and learn about real-world topics like industry wages, apprenticeships, and jobsite safety.

Miron craft workers will also guide the students through hands-on activity stations, giving them a chance to try their skills in masonry, carpentry, equipment operation, and virtual construction technology.

“Miron understands that diversity drives innovation,” said Dave Walsh, executive vice president of human resources at Miron. “With women comprising just under 11% of the construction industry and only 4.3% of skilled trade workers, we recognize the critical need to close this gender gap.”

Build Like a Girl is “one of the intentional steps we are taking to create meaningful, lasting change,” Walsh added.

Why It Matters

Construction is America’s largest employer for workers without a bachelor’s degree, with nearly 10 million people — more than 10% of the workforce for those without a BA — earning stable, middle-class wages.

Yet women remain significantly underrepresented in construction, especially in the skilled trades where pay is strong and demand is high. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that if more women entered — and stayed in — the construction workforce, the industry could more easily fill current labor shortages.

By giving girls early exposure to the tools, technology, and role models in the field, events like Build Like a Girl help break down barriers and open doors to career paths that too often remain hidden.

For more about Miron Construction’s workforce development and diversity initiatives, visit www.miron-construction.com

Originally reported by The Daily Reporter.