Women Conquer Construction: A New Dawn

0:00Hey, it's Corey, with Derm News Today, your city, your news, every day. Women are making big gains in the construction industry. In 2024, they made up 11.2% of the workforce, upsteadily since 2012. Take Faith John, a single mom and survivor of domestic violence. She's the only woman on her three-person team in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, replacing rotten fence posts and pouring concrete. The job has built her confidence and independence. Programs in the triangle area are speeding up this trend. At Durham Technical Community College, a nonprofit called Hope Renovations runs a seven-week training course. It mixes classroom lessons on tool safety with hands-on skills like hammering nails. The instructor, a program graduate herself, helps women break into the trades. These women come from all walks of life and share goals of stability and self-reliance. A 43-year-old former government worker wants to handle home projects and connect with

1:00others in the field. Another aims to build community centers that serve local neighborhoods. Graduates earn industry certifications that lead to real jobs nearby. The training challenges old ideas that women don't belong on job sites. It's about creating space in the industry or carving out their own. For participants like John, the changes are clear. We've gained physical strength and a fresh start, building brighter futures one project at a time. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.COM