News Summary
Miron Construction Co., Inc. has initiated its ‘Build Like a Girl’ program, designed to inspire young girls to explore careers in construction. Catering to girls in grades seven through ten, the program offers hands-on experiences such as pouring concrete and operating heavy machinery. Feedback has been positive, with hopes of encouraging more girls to enter the construction workforce. Miron aims to make this an annual event and encourages other contractors to implement similar initiatives to promote gender diversity within the industry.
New Program Aims to Inspire Young Girls in Construction
Miron Construction Co., Inc., based in Neenah, Wisconsin, has launched its inaugural “Build Like a Girl” program, aimed at cultivating the interest of young girls in construction careers. Held in the summer, the initiative engages girls in grades 7 through 10 with hands-on construction activities designed to introduce them to the skilled craft professions in the industry.
Hands-On Activities Highlight Program Success
The “Build Like a Girl” program offered an array of hands-on experiences, including pouring concrete, setting block, setting steel, and operating various equipment. These activities provided practical insights into the tasks performed in the construction field, allowing participants to gain a better understanding of the skills and trades available.
Addressing Gender Representation in Construction
The initiative was inspired by a story from another part of the country, which highlighted a similar event, sparking conversations about the significant lack of female representation in the construction industry. Nearly 30 girls participated in this inaugural event, with many providing enthusiastic feedback on their experiences. The organizers view this as a great success, showcasing the potential interest among young girls in pursuing careers in skilled trades.
Planting Seeds of Interest and Future Careers
The primary goal of the program is to plant early seeds of interest in construction among young girls. The idea is that by exposing them to the world of construction at a young age, they may consider pursuing these careers in the future. Organizers believe that even if just one participant is inspired to join the trades, it would represent a significant benefit for Miron Construction and the industry as a whole.
Long-Term Benefits for the Industry
Creating initiatives like “Build Like a Girl” can have a broader impact beyond Miron Construction. The company recognizes that the construction industry benefits from a more diverse workforce, enabling a wealth of ideas and perspectives. Whether or not participants ultimately work for Miron or choose to pursue opportunities with other contractors, the focus on diversification is seen as vital for the future of the industry.
A Promising Future for the Program
Plans are already underway to continue the “Build Like a Girl” program, with hopes that it will become an annual event. The overwhelming interest shown in the inaugural program indicates a strong demand for similar initiatives, fostering the construction industry’s future workforce.
Encouraging Broader Participation
Miron Construction’s Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Development is eager to encourage other contractors to replicate similar programs. Highlighting the meaningful experiences of both mentors and participants, the company offers valuable suggestions for implementation. Tips for other contractors include focusing on thorough day planning to ensure engaging activities for participants and starting small with around 20 to 30 girls.
Partnering with Local Schools
To ensure the success of such programs, collaboration with local schools and career guidance counselors is recommended to identify potential participants. Engaging with educational institutions not only broadens the reach of the initiative but also helps establish a pipeline of interested young girls in the skilled trades.
Conclusion
The launch of the “Build Like a Girl” program by Miron Construction signifies a noteworthy step towards addressing gender representation within the construction industry. By actively engaging young girls through practical activities and fostering an interest in skilled trades, the program not only benefits individual participants but also aims to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Daily Reporter: Miron Construction Launches “Build Like a Girl” Program
- For Construction Pros: Miron Construction Inspires Youth
- Autodesk: Inside Miron Construction’s AI
- Autodesk: Top 2025 AI Construction Trends
- Construction Dive: Miron Construction CEO Steps Down
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Google Search: Women in Construction
- Google Scholar: Gender Diversity in Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Google News: Construction Initiatives for Youth
