Maine celebrates Women in Construction Week, launches website

"We can’t afford to leave talented workers on the sidelines" Wed, 03/04/2026 - 4:30pm 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-lear...