By focusing the two-week Construction Academy, which was held March 2-13 in Phoenix, ADOT’s On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program is helping address under-representation by women in the field. Women comprise about 9 percent of construction workers nationally, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Through the years, ADOT’s Construction Academy has helped more women enter the construction trades. Of the more than 600 graduates since the pre-apprentice training began in 2014, about 35 percent have been women.
Steve Navis, a Manager with ADOT’s On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program, said the certifications earned by Construction Academy participants are particularly beneficial for women. He said a candidate with those qualifications has a more powerful resume, especially because of regulations on the number of women and members of other economically disadvantaged groups contractors must employ for federally funded projects.
Construction Academy training also is available to minorities, veterans, and members of other economically disadvantaged groups, including those who are unemployed.
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Three-quarters of Construction Academy participants have gone on to work in the construction field as Flaggers, Commercial Truck Drivers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Highway Surveyors, Electricians, Carpenters, Painters, Pipe Fitters, Concrete Finishers, and Block Masons. Depending on the position, they start out earning $14 to $24 an hour, and sometimes more.
Participants receive training in construction math, flagger certification, OSHA 10 safety certification, reading construction plans, obtaining a Commercial Driver License permit and resume building. If participants have perfect attendance, they also receive a set of tools valued at $200. ADOT offers the free two-week training through a Federal Highway Administration workforce grant.
