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: Hannah T.
Company: Hinkle Contracting Company
Title/Position: Weigh Master/Scale House Operator
Years in Construction: 1 year, 5 months
What was your path to a career in construction?
In my family, there has been multiple men that have had a career in construction but not any women. One of those men is my dad. He has worked construction my entire life, so when this job opened up, I knew that I had to apply for it because Hinkle has been a part of my whole life and I wanted to show other girls in my family that they can go against the norm and work in the field of construction as well.
What do you like most about working in construction?
There is something new that happens every day. Each day you are met with different situations and it keeps you on your toes.
Have you seen changes for women in construction over the course of your career?
Yes, I have seen a change in my short time of working in the construction field. Since starting my job there have been multiple women hired for various positions throughout the company.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
For women, going into the construction field can be very intimidating, especially since most people see it as a man’s job. There are three things I would advise a young woman going into the career of construction.
First, one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to have confidence in yourself that you can do the job and always remember to stand up and fight for what is right even when other employees around you do not and don’t be intimidated by people saying it’s a man’s job.
A second piece of advice is to be ambitious! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and learn new things and challenge yourself. View these new challenges as opportunities to open new doors for your career.
Third, work hard and have integrity Be an employee that shows up to work every day ready to better the company. Also, be that employee that your employer trusts.
