Over the next decade, the United States will be busy building big, complicated projects such as bridges, tunnels, semiconductor chip factories and battery plants. As funding flows into infrastructure projects, it is apparent that our workforce is not prepared to handle the escalating demand. 

Currently, 40 percent of skilled trades professionals are aged 45 or above, and with the entire baby boomer generation becoming retirement-eligible in 2030, we find ourselves at a significant crossroads.

There aren’t enough hands to meet the pressing needs of our homes and communities. However, there’s a clear answer — redefine our workforce and turn to nontraditional groups, particularly women, to fill the void. This goes beyond breaking gender barriers; it’s a pragmatic solution to a crisis that demands innovative solutions.

The skilled trades offer an opportunity for women to contribute meaningfully. With women representing only 3.5 percent of the plumbing industry and 10 percent of the entire construction industry, we can help close the skilled trades gap and meet the practical needs of our country. 

EmpowHERing Women at Ferguson 

At Ferguson, we champion innovative and progressive collaboration across our business. To do this, we bring together associates with unique characteristics, life experiences and perspectives — through our hiring practices, leadership development programs and our Business Resource Groups (BRGs). Ultimately, we believe that diversity in thought and experience promotes innovation — and innovation brings new ideas and solutions that make our company better. 

BRGs bring together associates with shared characteristics or life experiences (women, veterans, Black, LGBTQ+, Hispanic or Latin) to establish a community within Ferguson and work together to create positive outcomes for our associates and the business.

Ferguson’s women’s BRG, EmpowHER, serves as a collective voice for women at Ferguson and provides support, networking, mentorship and empowerment for women to achieve their professional and personal goals. Thanks to the support EmpowHER and all our BRGs receive from the highest levels at Ferguson, we are making a meaningful impact. 

In the nearly four years since its inception, EmpowHER has grown to 2,500 members. It has advocated and taken action to represent and develop women at Ferguson by: 

Establishing a mentorship program where experienced leaders support and develop talented associates. These relationships allow women at Ferguson to build connections across the company, improve organizational knowledge and, ultimately, instill confidence as they grow their careers. 

Launching a Women in Leadership Essentials Program designed to elevate the impact of women leaders by offering a collection of courses with titles such as “Declare Your Brand,” “Radiate Courage and Conviction,” and “Super-Power Your Network.” In 2023, we delivered 102 training hours to members and the program is now launching to all women at Ferguson.

Hosting numerous professional development events (in-person and virtual), including an “Experienced Women in the Workplace” panel discussion, International Women’s Day watch parties, “How to Handle Uncomfortable Professional Situations,” and more.

?2022 Scott K. Brown Photography, Inc.

Implementing new workplace initiatives focused on the needs of women: placed accessible period products in all 1,700 locations, created a Domestic Violence toolkit and launched a Menopause in the Workplace project.

Hosting internal monthly networking sessions and book clubs for EmpowHER members.

We’re also taking action for women in our industry. 

While Ferguson supports many organizations dedicated to closing the skilled trades gap, two national partnerships are focused on advocating for women in our industry: the National Association of Women in Construction, www.nawic.org, and Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP), www.womeninplumbandpipe.org. Ferguson is a founding member of WiPP and supports its goal of connecting, empowering and supporting the contributions of women in plumbing to help address ongoing workforce shortages. 

We were also proud to sponsor the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Women2Women conference last year — a truly special event that brings together women within the NKBA community to discuss experiences, professional challenges and opportunities, and foster meaningful connections.

Together, we can shape the future. 

It will take the efforts of many to shift outdated perceptions, such as the skilled trades are old-fashioned, not well paid or only for men. In our industry, we know the reality is that the skilled trades offer those with an entrepreneurial spirit the opportunity to own a business, provide financial stability and the ability to work with cutting-edge technology. 

These are the conversations we need to be having — at every organization in our industry and at our own kitchen tables — to ensure that young people, especially women, entering the workforce understand that the skilled trades are a viable career option. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs are just as rewarding — and lucrative — as a college degree in terms of career success. We know that solutions are better constructed together than alone.  

Christine Dwyer is the senior director of communications and public relations for Ferguson. She is also chair of EmpowHER and serves on Ferguson's BRG Leadership Team.