Maine recognizes women in construction: 'Women are extremely capable’

Maine recognizes women in construction: 'Women are extremely capable’ BY David Ledford Maine PUBLISHED 1:38 PM ET Mar. 04, 2026 PUBLISHED 1:38 PM EST Mar. 04, 2026 SHARE BANGOR — Maine departments, businesses and others are coming together to celebrate Women in Construction Week. It’s a time to highlight the growing role of women in the industry and runs March 1-7. Nationally, women make up 11.3% of the construction workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Maine, women make up 15% of the construction workforce. In a proclamation, Gov. Janet Mills encouraged Mainers to take part in connecting with and elevating women in the industry. “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 Mills. “We can’t afford to leave talented workers on the sidelines.” In 2024, Mills signed Executive Order 7, “An Order Regarding Women in Construction,” to increase the representation of women in the field. According to the Maine Department of Labor, state agencies have since partnered with employers, industry associations, and education providers to expand opportunities for all Mainers, including women in the construction sector. The MDOL said these efforts have put more than 300 women in trades positions and over 400 in an educational program, pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship.   Wednesday, the Maine Department of Labor held a “Build Your Future...