I Build America – Kentucky 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 2023.
Name: Amanda B.
Company: Louisville Paving and Construction
Title/Position: Safety Specialist
Years in Construction: 2 Years
What was your path to a career in construction?
After graduating from college, I began my professional career working for the state of Texas investigating child abuse cases. Investigations and collecting information really interest me. From there, I decided to work in law enforcement, and I began working as a patrol officer on midnight shift. I loved the job but ultimately decided it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term. When I heard that Louisville Paving was hiring for an administrator, I applied with the thoughts that this would be a good, fresh start. Immediately, I wanted to get out in the field to learn construction and investigate safety incidents. After training within the company for a year and taking several outside trainings, I was promoted to Safety Specialist. I love my job and I am very confident that this is what I’m supposed to do.
What do you like most about working in construction?
I love learning new things daily. Both from the safety aspect (learning new OSHA standards) and learning how our field employees physically do the jobs that they do. It’s fun and exciting.
Have you seen changes for women in construction over the course of your career?
I have only been working in construction for a short period of time. I have heard stories that in the past, men have found it difficult to work with women in this particular career field. The few female field workers that work at Louisville Paving seem to be treated equally and respected. The opportunities here and endless for everyone.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
I would say that the opportunities to be successful in construction are there. Maybe even more so for women. We think differently than men and bring new ideas and methods that haven’t been done before. If you want it, success is for the taking in construction. Go for it.
