Gaines and Company Paves the Way for Women
Gaines and Company paves the way in the construction industry with a growing number of female crew members.
A 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey found that women only represent 10.9% of the workforce in the construction industry, office staff and field crews combined. Gaines and Company is working to close that gap by not only welcoming, but encouraging women to join their team. Make room fellas. Women are joining the construction industry, and Gaines and Company is paving the way!
Gaines and Company is a full-service site development company with office locations in Maryland and North Carolina. With services ranging from grading and excavating to storm water management, many workforce responsibilities require more muscle and sweat than a typical job appealing to women.
However, thanks to the nation’s current construction environment, opportunities are abundant for women interested in joining the industry. These opportunities come with competitive pay, benefits, and overtime opportunities.
Women play a significant role in the safe delivery of Gaines and Company’s site development services.
“I think women naturally shy away from the construction industry. A lot of times they don’t understand what the industry has to offer,” said Trent Hargis, Gaines and Company project manager. “But all it takes is time for them to see that it’s actually an excellent option. In just the last year and half, I’ve seen an increase in qualified female applicants, and I’ve been happy to bring many on board. We give them all the training they need and offer them the same opportunities for advancement as the men.”
Out of just their North Carolina location, Gaines and Company employs two women in the office and an additional nine on field crews performing grading and piping services. Two of these women are Jennifer and Shay. Jennifer said she joined the Gaines and Company team for better opportunities, while Shay joined to gain experience.
“It’s not just a man’s field. Other women should join, too!”
“I don’t want to be behind a desk all day. I love doing hands-on work and learning,” said Shay. “I received training during my orientation with Gaines, which covered a lot of safety protocols. An employee who has been here for a while has since shown me what I need to know to do my job. I learn more and more every day.”
Gaines and Company brings on new-hires as laborers, but encourage all employees to have an attitude for advancement.
“Our female employees are no different,” said Trent. “As long as they show a strong, team-focused performance, they are given the same opportunities for advancement as the men.”
“It’s been a great opportunity for me,” added Shay. “I’m a single mom of two kids, and I’m able to buy them the things they need because I have a really good job.”
Women play a significant role in the safe delivery of Gaines and Company’s site development services.
Gaines and Company recognizes that though the knowledge and ability to perform are no different between men and women, there are instances when differences must be considered. The health and safety of all employees has been the primary goal for Gaines and Company since its establishment in 1954. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as gloves and hard hats – are not always one-size-fits-all. In order to keep the workforce safe, Gaines offers PPE to appropriately fit both genders, ensuring the safety of everyone on the jobsite.
“I’ve noticed that by incorporating women into our crews, the team structure hasn’t changed. Our crews still look out for each other just the same. No one treats anyone differently because of their gender. They work together to keep each other safe,” said Trent.
Shay agreed. “It’s not about if you’re a man or woman. It’s more about teamwork with Gaines. If there’s no team, then no work will get done,” she said.
Gaines and Company is not just a leader in the delivery of safe, quality site development services. The organization is also proud of the advancements it has made in paving the way for women in the construction industry. And they are not stopping now.
“It’s been a great opportunity,” said Shay. “It’s not just a man’s field. Other women should join, too!”
Gaines and Company paves the way in the construction industry with a growing number of female crew members.
