Women in Construction Week 2022 (WIC Week) returns to the Twin Cities from March 6-12. And it returns with some in person events after being a virtual-only event last year. “Depending on the venue some will require a mask, but at least it’s in person,” said Janelle Miller, WIC Week Chair who works for Peterson Companies.
WIC Week highlights women as a visible component of the construction industry and raises awareness about the opportunities available for women who are construction workers. Though women represent an enormous potential workforce, they are a significant minority in the union building trades. Women make up about 11% of the construction industry’s workforce. The construction industry is brimming with opportunities for women with the right skills and capabilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry will grow six percent from 2020-30, adding about 400,000 new jobs.
The week starts on Sunday, March 6, when participants will be able to get their virtual bingo card online. They can play bingo throughout the week for prizes to be awarded after the week is over. One in-person event designed to help women meet their unique apparel needs is Beyond the Pink which takes place on Tues., March 8, at the St. Paul Tool Library. Women will be treated to workwear product demos with the opportunity to swap gear as well. Workplace apparel manufacturers are making clothes designed to fit the female form better, says Miller. “I worked 12 years in the field as a Laborer. I know firsthand how we wear clothes is different from our male counterparts. These are things being addressed in our industry.”
In total 12 events are scheduled this year. The 2022 WIC Week calendar of events is available here: https://www.nawicmsp.org/wic-week