Nineteen years ago, when I started PDI Drywall, mentorship for women in construction wasn’t readily available. I relied on observation, self-trust, and learning from my own mistakes to navigate my journey. At the time, I lived by the philosophy that it was me against the world.
Over time, I adapted, gained confidence, and even became a mentor myself. I learned that you can achieve even more greatness with the help and guidance of others than you can just by going at it alone.
Today, I am both a mentor and a mentee, sharing knowledge and gaining wisdom from remarkable women in the construction industry. Groups like The Woman’s Advantage, NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), and Chicks in Construction have transformed my career and bolstered my confidence in ways I didn’t know was possible.
As women redefine the construction landscape, mentorship emerges as a driving force. It allows us to defy stereotypes, network, and succeed. A strong mentoring relationship can be the difference between a short-lived career and a long-enduring one. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that asking for help doesn’t make you weak— it unlocks a power you didn’t know you had.
Let’s dive into mentorship in construction and all of its advantages.
Confronting the Lack of Gender Diversity in Construction
Mentorship is valuable to everyone, regardless of your gender or the industry you work in. But, the power of mentorship for women in construction is especially strong. Women hold a small fraction of the construction jobs in the United States, making them a minority in the field. Because of this fact, women face roadblocks like:
- Gender bias
- Lack of family support
- Isolation
- Hostile work environments
- Unequal pay
These challenges can prevent women from sticking with careers long-term or pursuing them at all. Fortunately, the tides are turning. Mentorship plays a big role in breaking down the walls that have held women back in the past.
What is Mentorship in Construction?
Mentorship in construction represents a relationship between an experienced guide, the mentor, and a willing learner, the mentee. It transcends conventional training by building a deeper connection where mentors generously share their personal journey and dedicate their time to teaching, advising, and supporting their mentee.
Mentorship goes beyond traditional instruction. Mentors share their personal experiences, lessons, mistakes, and triumphs. In return, mentees bring a fresh perspective and an excitement to learn and grow. This mutually beneficial partnership paves the way for success, benefiting both mentor and mentee.
How do Companies Benefit from Mentorship in Construction?
Mentorship isn’t just about personal growth — it’s a game changer for companies as well. With industry turnover rates as high as 25-30% in the construction sector, holding onto skilled labor is extremely important (1). Experienced professionals bring expertise and efficiency to projects, guaranteeing the best results.
Embracing mentorship has a dramatic effect when it comes to retaining female employees. Studies show that mentoring programs improve promotion and retention rates for women, increasing them from 15% to an impressive 38% (2). Mentorship gives women access to a wealth of knowledge and experience that helps them navigate the complex terrain of the construction industry and find longevity in their careers.
How does this benefit companies? Research shows that gender-diverse companies have a 25% boost in profitability and a 38% increase in innovation over their less diverse counterparts (3). Plus, women help bridge the growing labor gap plaguing the construction industry. Bringing more women on board and retaining them long-term offers significant, lasting benefits for companies.
Unlocking the Benefits of Mentorship for Women in Construction
In the construction industry, women often encounter gender bias — a roadblock that can lead to unequal opportunities, pay disparities, and limited access to leadership roles. This bias undermines diversity and creates challenges for women’s career growth.
Mentorship offers a supportive network for women to navigate these challenges. It provides a safe space to discuss personal and professional issues, empowering women to address unfair treatment and gain the confidence to assert themselves in male-dominated environments. Notably, women with mentors are five times more likely to be promoted than women without the support of a mentor (2).
Mentorship fuels confidence, accelerates career growth, and boosts job satisfaction. My mentor, Mary Cantando, motivated me to become a part of The Women’s Advantage leadership group. The wisdom and insights I’ve gained from these remarkable women have given me the confidence to expand my career to include public speaking and consulting. A few years ago I never would have considered pursuing these paths. Fortunately, having a strong mentor has allowed me to conquer imposter syndrome and expand my career in the most fulfilling way.
Some Advice for Women in Construction: It’s OK Not to Be ‘One of the Guys’
With two decades in the construction industry, I’ve experienced the unmistakable vibe that often dominates job sites — a masculine, direct, and at times, aggressive atmosphere. But when I founded PDI Drywall, I had a different vision. I believed in respect, communication, and empathy as the keys to success, living by the simple philosophy of ‘treat others as you want to be treated.’
This mindset is especially important in the world of mentorship for women in construction. It’s no secret that being a woman in a male-dominated industry is isolating. As a result, I often see women adopt a ‘dog-eat-dog’ mentality to earn respect. This can lead to unnecessary negativity and conflict. My advice? Embrace your unique strengths and the power of your feminine perspective. Standing out and being different is an advantage, not a hindrance.
My ability to communicate effectively has allowed my company to excel, meeting timelines and budgets consistently. Rather than conforming to a negative culture, rise above it. Gender-diverse teams consistently outperform non-diverse ones, as women bring valuable skills, strengths, and experiences to the job. So, whether you’re a seasoned mentor or a fresh-faced mentee, remember: positivity sets you apart, and you don’t need to be ‘one of the guys’ because being a woman is a strength, not a weakness.
Find Empowerment Through Mentorship
Do you want to improve communication, foster diversity, and drive innovation within your construction company?
Interested in launching or joining a mentorship program but not sure where to begin?
With two decades of hands-on experience in the construction industry, I understand the unique challenges women face at all levels of the workforce. I am deeply passionate and committed to empowering women in this field.
I work as a public speaker and consultant, helping companies improve their understanding of mentorship, gender diversity, effective communication, project management, and efficiency benchmarks. If your company seeks education and training in these areas, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you’re a woman in the construction industry living in the Raleigh, NC area and you’d like to explore my mentorship group, Chicks of Construction, visit our website to learn more and become part of our community. Let’s drive positive change together!
Links:
- Women’s Advantage: https://www.womansadvantage.com/
- NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction): https://nawic.org/
- Chicks in Construction: https://chicksinconstruction.com/
References:
- https://www.apprenticeperformance.com/the-power-of-mentorship-how-construction-apprentices-can-benefit-from-guidance-and-support#:~:text=Apprentices%20who%20have%20access%20to,without%20this%20kind%20of%20support.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/nazbeheshti/2019/01/23/improve-workplace-culture-with-a-strong-mentoring-program/?sh=602b6ee276b5
- https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters
Photos: www.freepik.com
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/colleagues-working-together-project_22548080.htm
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/people-working-elegant-cozy-of- fice-space_29794529.htm
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/medium-shot-women-working-together_29716911.htm
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