Expanding Pathways for Women in Construction
Women in Construction Week
Blog post: March 6, 2026
Before sunrise on job sites across California, women are helping build the homes, schools, roads, and infrastructure our communities depend on. During Women in Construction Week, the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) and our departments, boards, and panel are highlighting the women working in these high-demand, high-wage careers, as well as the state’s efforts to open more doors to opportunities in the industry.
Construction remains one of California’s most essential industries, offering family-sustaining wages and strong career mobility. While women remain underrepresented in the field, their participation has steadily increased in recent years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now make up about 11% of the construction workforce nationwide.
Expanding that progress is a key focus of California’s broader workforce strategy.
Through Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Career Education and California Jobs First, the state is aligning education, training, and economic development investments to ensure more Californians — including women historically underrepresented in the trades — can access these opportunities.
“California’s construction workforce should reflect the full strength and diversity of our state,” said LWDA Secretary Stewart Knox. “Through targeted investments and strong partnerships, we are expanding equitable pathways that help more women enter and thrive in good-paying construction careers.”
Expanding access through apprenticeship
A central driver of this work is the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship Standards. The division’s new Women in Construction campaign highlights stories of women in the trades while connecting prospective workers to apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
Division of Apprenticeship Standards highlights a construction apprentice: Veronica
Registered apprenticeships continue to serve as one of the most reliable on-ramps into construction careers, allowing workers to earn while they learn, limit student debt, and gain in-demand skills. California maintains one of the largest apprenticeship systems in the nation, with construction trades representing a significant share of active programs. Learn more about California apprenticeship opportunities.
When women lead
Amy Rohrer is the Executive Director of Valley Contractors Exchange (VCE) – a trade association supporting the needs of construction workers and small businesses. The Employment Training Panel awarded VCE $107,820 to upskill construction workers in order to fill labor shortages and address the increased need for housing following wildfires in the Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas, Sutter, and Yuba County areas.
Amy’s own family lost their home during the Camp Fire in 2018.
“In the aftermath of the fire, I was also unexpectedly let go from my job, something that at the time felt devastating, but in hindsight was one of the best things that could have happened,” said Amy. “It gave me the opportunity to return to construction in a very personal way. I worked alongside my family to rebuild our home, and that experience was incredibly empowering.”
As Executive Director of VCE, Amy is at the helm of an organization that is building California communities. “My goal is for Valley Contractors Exchange to be an indispensable partner to our members,” she said. “Through workforce initiatives, training programs, and advocacy, we want to help them stay competitive and sustainable.”
Amy’s advice to young people early in their careers: Invest in relationships and never stop learning.
Workforce investments that deliver
The California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) is supporting regional and community-based efforts that help women prepare for and enter construction careers. During Women in Construction Week, CWDB is spotlighting several partners who are creating pathways into the industry:
- Sistas with Tools, in partnership with the San Francisco Building & Construction Trades Council, delivers hands-on pre-apprenticeship training designed specifically for women of color in the Bay Area. The program connects participants to union careers with family-sustaining wages, strong benefits, and long-term opportunity.
- ValleyBuild is strengthening pathways into construction for women and other underserved communities across the Central Valley. With strong industry partnerships and immersive training, ValleyBuild is building a diverse workforce one cohort at a time – including their recently celebrated fourth all-female cohort.
- San Diego Workforce Partnership is working to get more women into the trades through its Apprenticeship Readiness Program. Their current High Road Construction Careers program cohort is 31% women. These outcomes reflect intentional recruitment, strong support, and a commitment to building equity in construction.
Looking ahead
Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated approach to strengthening California’s construction workforce while expanding access to quality jobs. As demand for skilled workers continues, California’s labor and workforce system remains focused on ensuring more Californians can connect to these career pathways.
