School of Construction & Design Technologies
Lifelong Education Center, Rm. C156 · (570) 327-4518
Women in Construction
Although women have historically represented only a small fraction of the construction industry, that trend is gradually changing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise about 12 percent of the construction workforce today. The BLS Current Population Survey, taken in December 2004, indicates that the approximate number of women in construction is 839,000. To remain competitive, the industry must continually recruit and train women.
At Pennsylvania College of Technology, we encourage women to consider a career in the construction industry. While we have enrolled female students in nearly all of our majors within the School of Construction and Design Technologies, our Construction Management bachelor degree and our Architectural Technology associate degree majors have drawn more female students than most of our other majors.
Consider these observations from a few of our alumni, current students, and industry professionals:
Tuesday Brown, Building Construction Technology
"Penn College has and will forever change me as an individual. Here I have been able to accomplish things in life that, before, I thought were not possible. I enjoy being here at Penn College. I am an active student and am involved as a Residence Assistant and a member of the Multi-Cultural Society."
Tiffany Madara, 2008 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Design Technology Graduate
"I really enjoy the engineering side of HVAC. I want to be the one behind the designs, not the one installing them. I want to design where the ducts go and what system to install in the buildings. I plan on designing systems for new commercial buildings in the future."
Carrie Meyer, Spring 2008 Building Construction Graduate
"I think Penn College is unique for the hands on learning, small class sizes, and the melting pot of ideas that come from the professors and their experiences in the field."
Meghann Stasko, 2007 Residential Construction Technology and Management Graduate
"I’m glad I chose Penn College to help further my education and reassure me of my career choice. I leave here with mixed emotions. After four years it will be difficult to say goodbye to friends and faculty, but on the other hand, I’m excited about what my future holds for me in the construction industry, thanks to Penn College."
Tara Hiepler, Spring 2006 Construction Management Graduate
- Project Engineer, American Infrastructure, Worcester, PA
"Penn College has a great reputation with the largest construction companies in the state and nation. From the beginning of my college career the School of Construction & Design’s staff encouraged me to participate in career fairs, advisory committee dinners and construction competitions which helped me build a relationship with these companies. The hardest part upon graduation was choosing which company I wanted begin a career with."