The Women of Construction
I Build America – Ohio is dedicated to celebrating the women of construction! Women are a vital part of our industry, and there are female leaders at all levels of construction work. From foreman to company owners and executives, construction wouldn’t be the industry it is without its female employees. Join us and our partners in celebrating the success of women within your own company and across the nation during National Women in Construction Week 2021.
Meet: Marcia Campbell
Name: Marcia Campbell
Company: John R. Jurgensen
Title/Position: Heavy Highway Operating Engineer
Years Working in Construction: 15 years
How Marcia Started in the Construction Industry: “I heard about it through a class called ONOW. It was a program offered through job and family services that introduces women to male-dominated occupations. They showed us opportunities to make good money in careers where you could make good money, but that people thought mostly only men could do. From there, they directed me to the apprenticeship program in Miamisburg and then I started working for John R. Jurgensen following that. At that time, the apprenticeship program was the easiest way to break into the construction world.”
What Marcia Loves Most About Her Job: “The best part of my job is working outside and being able to tear stuff up and put it back together. Also, I enjoy seeing how things are done. All the math that goes into tearing down old stuff and making new and realizing all of the steps that go into construction work is really amazing. I also like being on different equipment where things are changing all of the time and my jobs and locations constantly vary. It keeps things interesting!”
What Does It Mean to Marcia to Be a Woman in the Mining Industry? “I feel accomplished because of the track I had to take to get here. Going through the apprenticeship program and learning to drive equipment and even learning to drive a stick shift. I am proud to tell people that I am a heavy equipment operator. I have been able to provide for my family very well from this career. I am a homeowner now. I have health insurance. I have a solid retirement plan. All due to my construction career.”
What Career Advice Does Marcia Offer to Women Considering a Career in Construction?
I would say definitely go for it. Men have been supporting their families for years in construction and it has been said that it is too tough for women to do. That is incorrect. We are completely capable and sometimes even better at it because women are so detail-oriented.
Learn More About Careers in Construction
Begin your career in construction today! Explore educational tools and resources right here on I Build America Ohio’s website. Questions about how to start a career in construction? Email us at info@ibuildamericaohio.com to get started in the right direction.
Follow along all week as we continue to share the message about the important role of women in construction, today and all year long!
