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Message to the Team - March 2019

Females comprise 47 percent of the country's workforce; however, that rate is just 9 percent in the construction industry and just under 3 percent in production roles, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. As the industry faces a skilled workforce shortage, it is imperative to actively address the lack of female talent within the construction industry.

OCP values diversity in the workforce and is consistently working to bring awareness to construction as a viable career path. So what are we doing to help diversify the industry?

OCP has partnered with associations like the AGC and the Sisterhood in the Brotherhood to help attract a more diverse workforce. Through our partners, we are actively working with the local public schools to introduce middle school and high school students to the variety of job opportunities available in construction via Career Expos, Job Fairs, and mentoring programs. We also have scholarships in place to help students financially who are seeking a career in construction. Through the three scholarships we have in place we hope to attract a diverse, new generation of apprentices.

Each of us can be a driving force in helping to diversify the industry, making it a better workplace for all. During the course of Women In Construction Week, I was asked,“When will we be celebrating Men in Construction Week?” I told them, “The day when we have 50-50 representation of male and female workforce, we will stop celebrating WIC Week.”

OCP is making positive strides every day to make equal representation in the workforce a reality. Thank you all for being an important part of the OCP team!