BOSTON (WPRI) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order Monday aimed at increasing the number of women and historically underrepresented populations in construction.
Women have traditionally been underrepresented in construction jobs and skilled trades, compromising only 11% of the industry workforce and 4% of trade operations, according to Healey.
Healey’s executive order establishes a Diverse and Equitable Construction Workforce Participation Committee, which will identify and encourage best practices for state agencies to encourage equitable workforce participation in construction, such as utilizing registered apprentices, hiring local businesses and those with a record of hiring women and underrepresented populations, and encouraging contractors to provide supportive services like child care.
“Here in Massachusetts, we know that we get the best results when our workforce reflects the rich diversity of the people of our state,” Healey said. “The construction industry offers good-paying jobs and benefits that sustain families, and it’s important that we increase access to this field for women and historically underrepresented groups.”