Governor Janet Mills has taken a significant step by signing an Executive Order aimed at enhancing the recruitment, training, and retention of women within Maine’s construction industry.
At present, women constitute only 15 percent of Maine’s construction sector and a mere 11 percent nationally. As a pioneer herself, being Maine’s first woman Attorney General and Governor, Governor Mills has persistently advocated for greater female representation in traditionally male-dominated fields, including construction and the trades.
The Executive Order is designed to attract more women to the construction industry and the trades, addressing Maine’s acute shortage of construction workers. This scarcity comes at a crucial time as the state prepares to utilize substantial funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to bolster critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and broadband connectivity.
Several state agencies will be directed by the Executive Order to undertake various initiatives. These include assessing the shortage of qualified workers in the construction industry, facilitating connections between women and employment opportunities in the sector, and seeking state and federal funding to incentivize the hiring of women.
The Governor signed the Executive Order today, accompanied by women leaders from Maine’s construction industry, during a ceremony held at the Maine Department of Transportation’s Maintenance Facility in Augusta.
Governor Mills expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Women are a vital part of Maine’s workforce, and they should be welcomed and embraced in every sector of our economy, including those traditionally dominated by men like the construction industry and the trades.”
Commissioner Laura Fortman of the Department of Labor also expressed her eagerness to collaborate across the public and private sectors to promote construction opportunities for women and other underrepresented communities. She highlighted the significance of initiatives such as registered apprenticeship programs, which enable participants to earn wages while gaining valuable skills and certifications.
Industry leaders also hailed the Executive Order as a pivotal step towards fostering diversity and strengthening Maine’s economy. They emphasized the importance of inclusivity in construction and highlighted the benefits of a more diverse workforce.
Overall, the Executive Order underscores Governor Mills’ commitment to expanding career opportunities for women in the trades. Through strategic investments and initiatives, Maine aims to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its residents.
