By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed an Executive Order to increase the participation of women and historically underrepresented groups in construction.

   The Executive Order establishes a Diverse and Equitable Construction Workforce Participation Committee to facilitate interagency collaboration on this work. It also identifies and encourages best practices for state agencies to encourage equitable workforce participation in construction, such as utilizing registered apprentices, hiring local businesses and those with a record of hiring women and underrepresented groups, and encouraging contractors to provide supportive services like childcare. The committee will also work with state agencies on data collection to measure the workforce participation of women and underrepresented groups.

  “Here in Massachusetts, we know that we get the best results when our workforce reflects the rich diversity of the people of our state,” said Gov. Healey. “The construction industry offers good-paying jobs and benefits that sustain families, and it’s important that we increase access to this field for women and historically underrepresented groups. Not only is it good for these workers and their families, but it’s also good for our employers and our economy as a whole.”

   “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to breaking down barriers to employment and increasing access to career opportunities,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “We look forward to building on our great partnership with the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Massachusetts Building Trades, Building Pathways, contractors and many more to meet workforce demands and advance representation among women and people of color in the trades.”