In honor of National Women in Construction Week (March 7 – 13, 2021), Varco Pruden is taking this opportunity to highlight our partners who are increasing diversity in this sector, to recognize women who are making an impact in our business and industry, and to encourage more women to consider careers in construction.
Raising the Bar and the National Average
Varco Pruden and our partners at BlueScope Buildings North America (BBNA) are striving to create a more diverse workforce by hiring and celebrating women in construction. Operating in North America with more than 2,000 employees, BlueScope’s history includes more than 120 years of building and manufacturing experience. This experience has taught the company that diversifying the labor force gives it a greater range of talent, expertise, and perspective.
In 2020, women made up 10.9 percent of the construction industry in the U.S.* With the help of companies like BBNA, these numbers will continue to grow year after year. In fact, the company has already doubled this average. With 22 percent of its workforce comprised of women, BBNA is capitalizing on the benefits of a more inclusive team of employees while making a positive impact on the industry.
Meet the Women in Construction
Like BBNA, Varco Pruden realizes the importance of celebrating a diverse workforce. That is why we’ll be spending the month of March featuring women in our industry on our social media channels and on our websites. Follow along to join us in recognizing the women who have impacted Varco Pruden, BlueScope, and our VP Builderships.
One of these incredible women is Maira Suarez, Director for Strategic Partnerships for Lemartec, a premier construction management and design-build firm operating throughout North America and the Caribbean. Suarez has been in the industry for 18 years and believes that women have many opportunities within the construction labor force.
“Women have many places in the construction industry and have opportunities that span from the office environment to hands-on construction management,” said Suarez. “Every day is a new opportunity, and it is wonderful to be in a career that brings excitement every day.” If you are interested in joining Maira and the many other women working in construction, now is the time.
Join the Workforce and the Movement
Whether you have years of experience in the construction industry or are new to the sector, there is a growing movement to increase the presence of women, and there’s a growing number of positions available. According to a recent report from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, “The business case for inclusion and diversity (I&D) is stronger than ever.” Construction companies are starting to realize the value that a more inclusive team can bring to their business’ bottom line.
To find career opportunities for women in construction, consider reaching out to Varco Pruden or one of our partner companies we’ll be featuring this month. Open positions within Varco Pruden and BBNA are available here. There are also dedicated websites to help women find jobs in this sphere, like the National Association of Women in Construction and Careers in Construction.
To support women in construction and join the movement, be sure to follow VP on our social media channels and check out other inclusive companies featuring women who are making their mark in the construction industry. To learn more about Women in Construction week, visit https://www.nawic.org/nawic/default.asp.
