Northern Michigan University, October 21, 2025
Northern Michigan University recently hosted ‘Women in Construction Day’ aimed at promoting gender diversity in the construction and engineering fields. The event featured various workshops and networking opportunities designed to inspire and empower aspiring female professionals. With a focus on building skills and connections, the day provided valuable insights and resources for women looking to enter this traditionally male-dominated industry. WZMQ 19 News covered the event to highlight the importance of inclusivity in construction.
Marquette, Michigan
Northern Michigan University (NMU) hosted its annual Women in Construction Day on October 17, 2025, at the Jacobetti Complex in Marquette, Michigan. The event aimed to inspire and empower young women to explore careers in the construction industry, a field traditionally dominated by men.
Event Overview
The event featured a series of hands-on workshops and interactive sessions led by female professionals in the construction sector. Participants engaged in activities such as woodworking, welding, graphic technology, and construction management. These sessions provided attendees with practical experience and insights into various construction-related careers.
Attendance and Participation
Over 100 middle school students from grades 6 to 8 attended the event, representing seven different schools in Marquette and Alger counties. The program was free of charge and open to all genders, reflecting NMU’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the construction industry.
Industry Context
The construction industry continues to face a significant labor shortage, presenting a critical opportunity to diversify and expand the workforce. As of 2024, women make up just 11.2% of total construction employees in the United States, highlighting the need for increased female participation in the field. Initiatives like NMU’s Women in Construction Day are essential in addressing this gap and encouraging young women to consider careers in construction.
Background on NMU’s Initiative
NMU’s Women in Construction Initiative, part of the Construction Management Program, is dedicated to educating and empowering young women by highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available in the construction industry. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has reached over 1,400 students and continues to grow each year. The flagship event, Women in Construction Career Exploration Day, has been held 17 times in five major Midwest cities, introducing students to a wide range of construction-related activities in a hands-on, engaging, and non-intimidating environment.
Future Events
Looking ahead, NMU plans to continue hosting Women in Construction events to further promote gender diversity in the industry. These events aim to provide young women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue successful careers in construction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Women in Construction Day?
Women in Construction Day is an annual event hosted by Northern Michigan University’s Construction Management Program. It offers middle and high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops and interactive sessions led by female professionals in the construction industry, aiming to inspire and empower young women to explore careers in construction.
Who can attend the event?
The event is open to middle and high school students, with specific sessions tailored for different age groups. Participation is free of charge and open to all genders, reflecting NMU’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the construction industry.
What activities are included in the event?
Participants engage in hands-on workshops and interactive sessions covering areas such as woodworking, welding, graphic technology, and construction management. These activities provide practical experience and insights into various construction-related careers.
How does NMU’s Women in Construction Initiative support students?
NMU’s Women in Construction Initiative is dedicated to educating and empowering young women by highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available in the construction industry. The initiative has reached over 1,400 students since its inception in 2017 and continues to grow each year, offering events and resources to support students interested in construction careers.
Why is promoting gender diversity in construction important?
The construction industry faces a significant labor shortage, and increasing female participation is essential to address this gap. As of 2024, women make up just 11.2% of total construction employees in the United States. Initiatives like NMU’s Women in Construction Day are crucial in encouraging young women to consider careers in construction, thereby diversifying and strengthening the workforce.
Key Features of Women in Construction Day
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hands-on Workshops | Interactive sessions in woodworking, welding, graphic technology, and construction management led by female professionals. |
| Student Participation | Over 100 middle school students from grades 6 to 8 attended, representing seven different schools in Marquette and Alger counties. |
| Free of Charge | The event was free of charge and open to all genders, promoting diversity and inclusion within the construction industry. |
| Industry Context | Addressed the significant labor shortage in the construction industry, where women make up just 11.2% of total employees as of 2024. |
| NMU’s Initiative | Part of NMU’s Women in Construction Initiative, which has reached over 1,400 students since 2017, aiming to empower young women in construction careers. |
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