Participants of the Build Like a Girl program gaining hands-on construction experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News Summary The UK is undergoing a significant transformation in its construction industry with several…
News Summary STACK Construction Technologies has partnered with Pine Services Group to enhance cloud-based preconstruction…
News Summary Recent advancements in machine monitoring solutions are significantly improving road construction efficiency. The…
News Summary Gray Construction has completed the world's first LEED-certified beef harvest facility for American…
News Summary Procore Technologies announced a significant increase in Q2 revenue, reaching $323.9 million, a…
News Summary The photogrammetry software market in Spain is poised for remarkable expansion, projected to…