It’s Women in Construction Week! I Build America – Kentucky is taking the opportunity to share the stories of the women across the state who make up our great industry. The stories of these women show the diverse backgrounds, interests, skills, and talents that are part of the work we do–and we encourage more women of all ages and interests to consider careers in construction.
You can follow along as the nation celebrates its female construction workforce. Check out the hashtag #WICWeek2022 and #IBuildAmericaKY!
The Women of Kentucky’s Workforce: Meet Liz
Name: Liz Rushing
Position: #1 Shop Technician
Company: Boyd Cat
Years Working In Construction: 7 1/2 years, which is how long I have been employed with Boyd Cat
In your experience, what do women bring to the construction industry?
Women bring a unique perspective and a different way of doing things. Women look forward and see something that has the potential to be a big problem, and then work to address the situation before it has a chance to develop. In other words, women don’t wait for catastrophes to happen before they act, they act to prevent the catastrophe from happening.
In what ways does your company support more women joining the industry?
Boyd is very flexible and understanding when it comes to family commitments. My boss always works with me when I need to take time off to go to a parent/teacher conference or doctor’s appointment. In general, Boyd offers good pay, paid holidays, and paid time off. Boyd also has women in leadership positions. In fact, the woman that brought this interview to my attention is one of our Vice Presidents, Aimee Johnson. Aimee has actually been to the branch I work at on several occasions and she even shadowed me one day so she could see first hand some of the company’s processes in action. It was a great experience to have that interaction with her.
What do you like most about working in construction?
I don’t have to wear makeup to work! LOL But seriously, the independence and confidence it has given me. I’m a heavy equipment mechanic, so when my car breaks down, I don’t have to worry about it. I can take of care it. That is very liberating. And let’s be real, I also like the money! I’m paid well and that helps me take care of my family and do things I want to do.
If you were to give young women (high schoolers) advice about beginning a career in construction, what would you say?
I can only speak from my experience, and from that I can tell you that when I was in high school, this career was not on my radar. Not even close. Being a mechanic never registered as a possibility for me because it was considered a “man’s” job. I got my start as an auto mechanic, but that was not until my mid-twenties. And even then, I never imagined that 20 years later I would be where I am now, a #1 shop tech, working on earthmoving equipment for a Caterpillar dealer and making good money doing it.
My advice would be to keep an open mind about career choices. Don’t put limits on yourself just because society tries to tell you what you can or can’t do to make a living. Don’t buy into it. It’s a lie. I’m living proof that it is. Do what you want to do. If society’s mold doesn’t fit you, don’t use it. Create your own mold just for you.
