Building the Workforce of the Future

Women are Helping Shape the Future of Construction 

The construction industry has long been defined by its grit, precision, and innovation, but one of its most powerful untapped resources just might be perspective. During a dynamic and well-attended session at BCMC 2025, a panel of women representing a broad spectrum of industry roles, including Shawnee Roy with Trussworks, Kim Ten Clay with MiTek, and Abby Yoder with Stark Truss, shared insights that challenged assumptions, inspired collaboration, and reframed what it means to strengthen the workforce.

From the very beginning, the tone was clear: this wasn’t a session about dividing the workforce or assigning blame. It was about collaboration, opportunity, and the power of inclusion. With labor shortages continuing to challenge nearly every segment of the construction industry, the discussion centered around one essential idea: attracting more women to the industry isn’t simply about diversity, it’s about ensuring the future of the workforce. The panelists emphasized that when more people can see themselves in a career in construction, the industry gains new ideas, stronger teams, and lasting growth.

The conversation opened with personal stories that brought warmth and authenticity to the topic. Each speaker’s path into construction looked different. Some discovered the field early through hands-on experiences, while others took less traditional routes, transitioning from unrelated industries into a space they hadn’t initially imagined themselves in. What tied their journeys together was the presence of people who opened doors along the way – the mentors, leaders, and co-workers who saw potential and encouraged them to keep going. Those moments of guidance not only shaped their careers but also inspired them to help others find their footing in the industry. This led to one of the most heartfelt parts of the conversation focused on mentorship. Every speaker credited mentors who had helped them build confidence, navigate challenges, and feel supported in environments that weren’t always built with them in mind. They shared how mentorship doesn’t have to take the form of a formal program; sometimes it’s a simple conversation, a shared story, or an opportunity to lead. Mentorship, they agreed, is one of the most effective ways to attract and retain women in construction. When someone feels seen, supported, and invested in, they want to get involved or stay in those roles, and then they pay that forward.

Visibility became a powerful extension of that idea. The panelists emphasized that when women see others thriving in leadership or technical roles, it changes what they believe is possible for themselves. Representation doesn’t just inspire individuals, it strengthens companies. It sends a clear message that the industry values all perspectives and that there is room for everyone at the table. The speakers challenged companies to take a close look at how they present themselves to the world – through marketing, social media, and recruiting – and ask whether those images and messages reflect the workforce they hope to attract. Visibility, after all, fuels belief, and belief drives action.

From there, the conversation turned to the broader systems that influenced how people find their way into construction. The panelists discussed the importance of education and early exposure, pointing out that while Career and Technical Education programs are growing nationwide, few students – especially young women – even know what component manufacturing is. When the audience was asked how many had known about the industry before joining it themselves, only a few hands went up. The takeaway was unmistakable: the gap isn’t in ability or interest, it’s in awareness. Outreach efforts early in high schools and internship programs give students real exposure to the technology, teamwork, and problem-solving that define modern construction. Ideal scenarios provide an opportunity to see the full process – from design to hands-on assembly of trusses and wall panels – to recognize that construction today involves precision, software, and creativity. 

As the session came to a close, conversations about education and visibility were tied to a seemingly ongoing issue: the labor shortage. The panel posed an important question: is there truly a labor shortage, or is it a lack of invitation? When the industry broadens its definition of who belongs, it opens the door to an entirely new pool of talent. Modern construction isn’t defined solely by swinging hammers or lifting lumber; it’s precision manufacturing, technology integration, logistics, and process improvement. The opportunities are vast, and women are already playing vital roles in shaping that evolution. The goal isn’t to replace anyone; it’s to build stronger and more resilient teams by embracing a diversity of thought, background, and skill. Different perspectives lead to better outcomes, whether in design, production, or leadership. 

Concluding the session, the room felt charged with optimism. The panelists left the audience with one simple but powerful takeaway: if the construction industry is serious about solving its workforce challenges, women must be part of the solution. That means inviting them in, showing them what’s possible, and ensuring the path forward is visible and accessible.