Inspiring Young Women to Explore Construction Careers
Hands-on learning meets real-world impact as girls explore the built world and help close the skilled labor gap.
By creating opportunities for young women, DPR Construction is paving the way for future leaders in the construction industry through the Design & Build Camp in partnership with Girls Inc. This unique event allows participants to envision themselves as builders and engineers, empowering them with the confidence and mentorship necessary to pursue careers they may never have considered.
Understanding the Importance of Inclusion in Construction
The camp took place at the Children's Hospital project site in collaboration with L.F. Driscoll. Given the anticipated shortage of skilled tradespeople, with projections estimating a shortfall of over two million by 2030, diversifying the workforce in the construction sector is more critical than ever. Currently, women represent less than 4% of labor positions in construction, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives aimed at increasing female representation.
Hands-On Experiences Break Barriers
The event welcomed 25 girls aged 10-14 for an immersive experience at the Roberts Children's Health job site. Participants engaged in hands-on activities that provided insight into the tools, technologies, and teamwork essential for construction work. The skills they developed included carpentry and safety demonstrations, virtual reality walkthroughs, and engaging engineering challenges, allowing them to witness and experience the industry firsthand.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
Scott Sircovitch, project executive at DPR Construction, emphasized the growing demand for skilled workers, stating, "There are more projects to build in America than skilled workers to build them. At DPR, we want to do our part to expand pathways to construction careers and build strong communities. The Girls Inc. camp is one of the many ways we're hoping to inspire the next generation of builders and show them what's possible when they're given access, mentorship, and the opportunity to explore careers they may not have considered."
Lillian Knoerzer, partnership manager at Girls Inc., added, "This camp wasn't just about learning new skills—it was about expanding what our girls believe is possible. When girls are surrounded by people who believe in them and invest in their growth, they begin to see themselves as innovators and changemakers. That's the power of this partnership—it helps girls step into their strength and envision bold futures."
Community Initiatives and Their Impact
DPR Construction is committed to building possibilities for under-resourced youth through its community initiatives. These initiatives focus on providing skills-based volunteering and improving facilities for nonprofit partners. By educating youth about the vast career opportunities in construction, DPR aims to foster a new generation equipped to meet industry demands and challenges.
About DPR Construction
DPR Construction is a pioneering general contractor and construction manager, specializing in technically advanced and sustainable projects across diverse markets, including technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial sectors. As a private, employee-owned company founded in 1990, DPR has grown into a multi-billion-dollar organization, employing approximately 11,000 professionals worldwide. Known for delivering predictable outcomes through innovative techniques like virtual design and construction, prefabrication, and data-driven improvements, the company continuously ranks among the leading building contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Design & Build Camp?
The camp aims to empower young women by providing hands-on experiences in construction, helping them envision potential careers in the industry.
What types of activities did participants engage in during the camp?
Participants experienced carpentry, safety practices, virtual reality walkthroughs, and engineering challenges that introduced them to essential aspects of construction work.
Why is it important to diversify the construction workforce?
Diversifying the workforce helps address the anticipated shortage of skilled tradespeople and ensures a broader range of perspectives and ideas within the industry.
Who organized the camp and what is their mission?
The camp was organized by DPR Construction in partnership with Girls Inc., with a mission to inspire young women and encourage them to pursue careers they may not have considered before.
How does DPR Construction support community initiatives?
DPR focuses on skills-based volunteering and educating under-resourced youth about careers in construction to build stronger communities and create opportunities for the next generation.
