A New Era of Workforce Development There is a misconception that men completely dominate the construction industry. It is true that men do outnumber women in the construction workforce, but there are ambitious women trailblazers who are affecting the traditional dynamic. For many women, the asphalt industry is a rapidly growing career field, with women (now making up 20% of the industry) breaking barriers in roles ranging from field crew to C-suite executives. Women work across the entire spectrum of asphalt production and paving, including: • Field Operations: Roller operators, paver operators, and crew forewomen. • Technical & Quality: Lab technicians, engineers, and chemists designing pavement mix. • Management & Ownership: Project managers and executives. • Administrative & Safety: Health and safety specialists, and office administrators. Along with other construction-related sub-sections, there is a shift in the asphalt industry towards gender inclusivity. Companies are beginning to recognize the importance of diversity and what women bring to the table: different experiences and skill sets. However, there is still a long way to go before women increasingly fill the numerous job openings within the industry. Recognizing the gap, Women of Asphalt was founded in 2017 with a mission to create a dues-free, accessible community that elevates women at all stages of their careers. Recruiting and retaining women in asphalt comes with both awareness and practical challenges. For some, the first barrier is simply visibility. “A lot of women don’t consider or even know about careers in construction because they haven’t been marketed to us,” Brittyn Heisler, Executive Director of Women of Asphalt, remarked. Without targeted outreach, entire career paths can go unnoticed. Even when women enter the field, balancing work and family responsibilities can be another hurdle, as there are often strange hours and shifts that more traditional jobs do not require. That is why professional development, mentorship, and community are so critical. Women of Asphalt works to fill those gaps through its national mentorship program, educational webinars, and networking opportunities — resources designed to keep women engaged and supported at every stage of their careers. As Women of Asphalt paves the way for a more diverse and equitable future, the asphalt industry stands to benefit from the full spectrum of talent that women have to offer. Hiring and retaining women in the industry is not solely about meeting diversity quotas; it is an investment in talent. Women are playing an increasingly key role in the asphalt industry, helping to address ongoing labor shortages across the field. As more women enter the workforce, they continue to demonstrate that they are just as capable of performing these industry roles as their male counterparts, breaking down barriers and inspiring others to pursue similar career paths. Expanding opportunities for women is a meaningful step toward strengthening the industry, particularly in areas such as paving, plant operations, and leadership. Progress is being made. Women in asphalt careers earn about ninety-six cents for every dollar a man makes, significantly higher than the national average of eighty-five cents. Women are advancing the asphalt industry by giving other women a voice and a foot in the door to the industry. They are essential to the future of the construction industry because they bring new perspectives that strengthen the workforce and help close the critical labor gaps. To join the Utah Chapter, please email Alicia Winterstein at Alicia.Winterstein@aecom.com or visit utahasphalt.org/women-of-asphalt. Listen: “How Women of Asphalt Is Advancing Diversity and Careers in Asphalt” Women of Asphalt President Sheila Barkevich discussed the organization’s history and impact on an episode of “Pave It Black,” the official podcast of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Scan the QR code to listen! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dLSbHFNcyUY 37 On The Road Women of Asphalt — Utah Chapter
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