NMU Women in Construction Initiative - Technology and Occupational Sciences

The NMU Women in Construction Initiative, part of the Northern Michigan University Construction Management Program, is dedicated to educating and empowering young women by highlighting the wide range of career opportunities available in the construction industry—regardless of the path they choose to pursue.

What started as a single-day event in 2017 has since evolved into a series of annual events, has reached over 1,400 students and continues to grow each year.

NMU Construction Management Program Gender Representation (2025):

• Students: 15% female
  (Above the industry average of 11%)

• Faculty/Staff: 50% female
   

Our flagship initiative, the Women in Construction Career Exploration Day, has been held 17 times in five major Midwest cities since its launch in 2017. This one-day event is designed to introduce students to a wide range of construction-related activities in a hands-on, engaging, and non-intimidating environment—with no cost and no commitment required from students or schools.

Activities are led by NMU faculty, students, and industry volunteers of all genders. We believe that exposing students to a diverse and inclusive network of professionals fosters a sense of safety, encouragement, and belonging—key factors in empowering young women to envision themselves in construction careers.

The construction industry is currently facing 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.

Encouragingly, the industry is making strides toward greater equity. Between 2023 and 2024, the gender wage gap for construction managers narrowed by 16%, bringing the average wage gap to just 1%—a stark contrast to the 17.3% national average across all industries.

This progress positions construction as one of the most equitable career paths for women, offering not only opportunity but also fairness in compensation.