Before 2016, women comprised 9% of the construction workforce, which held steady for a decade. Since then, the share of women in construction has climbed year over year. In 2024, 56,000 women joined the construction industry, a 4.35% increase from the previous year, totaling 1.34 million women and 11.2% of the construction workforce. This statistic represents a 45% increase in women working in construction over the last decade, and nearly 15% of all construction companies today are owned by women.
Women in Construction (WIC) Week is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s theme, ‘Together We Rise,’ highlights women’s strength and knowledge and their vital role in shaping the industry’s future.
During a period of life-changing events, Robin Mitchell began searching for an opportunity that landed her to apply to the West Virginia Women’s Work Program. It was here she discovered a passion for construction. In 2008, she was accepted into and started the IBEW JATC program. Today, Robin is a Fire Alarm Manager at Rosendin in Sterling, VA. Her story details her dedication to continuous learning and career growth despite setbacks
Q: Tell us about yourself and how you built a career in construction.
I was in the middle of bankruptcy and foreclosure after a failed attempt as a realtor shortly before the 2008 economic downturn. In March of 2008, I was fortunate to be accepted into the West Virginia Women Work program that helped me gain basic construction skills and knowledge, safety training (such as OSHA 30-hour class and HAZMAT training), and exposure to different trades and employers wanting to hire women into the trade. This program introduced me to the IBEW JATC apprenticeship program. In the Fall 2008, I was fortunate to be accepted and start in the JATC program.
Q: Talk about an accomplishment, in your career or personal life, that you’re proud of.
I am extremely proud of rising from a low place in my life and taking the steps necessary to be accepted into the JATC apprenticeship program. At the time, no one around me was doing what I was doing, and no one told me it was a good idea.
I am incredibly proud of getting up every day to do this job when I was absolutely exhausted with young children at home. I was a new foreman when my son was 2 ½ and diagnosed with autism, and I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. Within two years I was going through a divorce during probably the most challenging project I have ever done with an extremely aggressive schedule. I am proud of myself for persevering through this time and grateful for the guys I worked with who looked out for me and helped me keep going.
I am proud of myself for continuing my education and completing the NICET IV requirements in fire alarm systems this year. I’m grateful for the balance I have in my life today. I’m especially proud to be a part of an excellent team of highly skilled individuals in the fire alarm department who want to support each other and push each other to grow. I think this is a rare thing to find.
Q: Is there someone in your life who mentored you or helped you rise up in your career?
The West Virginia Women Work program, for one – It’s an excellent program! Sherry at Dynalectric taught me several things early in the trade. I was fortunate to be her apprentice helper. I was given opportunities to grow in the niche of fire alarm and was directed towards the NICET certifications early on by a superintendent at Dynalectric. There were also male leaders here at Rosendin who supported me and pushed me to be a little bit more than I believed I could.
Q: Do you have advice or a message for other women in construction?
For all people starting out, show up on time every day and show your willingness to learn. Do what is asked of you and, if you can, a little more. Look for allies in the trade. Let people know where you want to go and what you want to do. If you don’t tell people what you want, they won’t know! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether how to do a task or even how to get into a particular field. There are no dumb questions.
