From hands-on training to powerful networking, Maine is coming together to inspire, connect, and elevate women in construction during the first week of March, which Governor Janet Mills has proclaimed Women in Construction Week.

“Women are a crucial part of Maine’s workforce, and they should be welcomed and embraced in every sector of our economy, like the construction industry and the trades,” said Governor Mills, in a news release. “Maine needs to fix our roads and bridges, to build more homes, to expand high-speed internet and to improve our transportation network. We can’t afford to leave talented workers on the sidelines. To women across Maine who are interested in a good-paying job in the trades, there are opportunities waiting for you.”

In May 2024, Governor Mills signed Executive Order 7: An Order Regarding Women in Construction to increase the representation of women in construction careers. MDOL is collaborating with other agency partners to advance this executive order, with a goal of increasing the representation of women in construction in Maine from today’s 15%. 

“Maine’s construction industry offers a variety of quality high-wage career opportunities, as well as established training pathways to these in-demand occupations, such as registered apprenticeship,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “We are seeing a deep interest in these skilled trades and earn-while-you-learn programs that both meet employer needs and advance Maine’s workforce goals. Through initiatives such as Women in Construction Week and the Governor’s executive order, we are able to amplify these opportunities.”

To celebrate Women in Construction Week, the Maine Department of Labor and its partners have launched a new Women in Trades webpage sharing inspiring stories of women in Maine’s construction industry, highlighting expanded pre-apprenticeships and trainings with industry, union, and education partners, promoting networking with women-led organizations such as NAWIC and Tradeswomen of Maine, offering employer resources to build welcoming workplaces, and helping Mainers connect with trades apprenticeship and job opportunities near them—learn more at apprenticeship.maine.gov/women-in-trades

There are a variety of events happening this week, including a “Build Your Future” hiring event, featuring multiple employers from the trades and construction industries eager to connect with job seekers. A calendar of events can be found here: https://apprenticeship.maine.gov/women-in-trades

Since the issuance of the Executive Order, state agencies including MDOL, MaineDOT, DOE and DOER, have partnered with employers, industry associations, and education providers to expand training and job placement opportunities for all Mainers, including women in Maine’s construction sector, resulting in more than 300 women placed in trades positions and over 400 completing enhanced pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, Adult Education, and Maine Community College System programs.

CDL Grant Awards

In support of the Executive Order, Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Department of Labor are announcing $300,000 in grant awards to Maranacook Adult Education and the Maine Community College System to expand the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) workforce pipeline and train more than 50 people statewide, including women, for critical careers in construction and transportation.

“Mainers who obtain their CDL literally have a new road of possibilities opened to them – this is a credential that is always in-demand, and leads to high-wage occupations,” said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. “With these grant awards, we will be able to reduce barriers and connect more people across Maine, including women, with these life-changing opportunities.”

“Earning a CDL opens doors to a stable and rewarding career, including opportunities with us here at the MaineDOT,” said Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Dale Doughty. “MaineDOT already covers the full cost of CDL training for our employees, and these new grants offer even more resources for people looking to join the workforce and keep Maine moving.”

“Removing financial barriers literally puts more women in the driver’s seat,” said Stephen Vose, Adult Education Director at Maranacook Adult Education. “We are very excited to work with the State of Maine to expand CDL training to more Mainers, especially to women who may not have seen themselves in these types of rewarding careers before.”

“Through this CDL program, we’re creating a direct pathway for people to enter one of Maine’s most in-demand fields. Commercial driving plays a critical role in our construction economy, from transporting heavy equipment and materials to supporting infrastructure and development projects in communities across the state,” said Dan Belyea, Chief Workforce Development Officer for the Maine Community College System. “By investing in training and access, we’re not only helping women build sustainable, high-wage careers, but also strengthening the workforce pipeline that Maine employers depend on to keep projects moving forward.”