WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Since 2018, the state of Iowa has been trying to grow the trades industry as part of workforce development.
It's all about the girls for national women in construction week March 2-7.
Currently, the state is experiencing a significant shortage in skilled workers.
Traditionally, the trades industry has been dominated with men, but with such a need for more workers, filling those positions will take everyone, according to Tania Bowman with Dean Snyder Construction of Ankeny.
With the low cost for training and the potential to make a sizable income, Bowman hopes more women will consider working in a skilled trade.
"I think the biggest hurdle for women entering construction is the perception they can't do it," Bowman said. "But I think there are so many different trades and ways to get into the construction industry. I work in marketing and business development and for the trades from electricians and welders, those are really great options they can excel at and you don't even need to be limited to that because as we know women can do anything."
There are events all week around the metro to promote Women in Construction Week.
You can find a full list of locations and times posted at https://www.nawicdesmoines.org/wic-week.