Diverse Workforce Construction.pdf

The construction industry in Oregon is growing, with 11,900 new jobs projected between 2019-2029, and apprenticeships provide valuable training and career pathways. However, the industry has historically been gender-segregated, with low representation of women and workers of color. A study of 17,964 apprentices in the Portland area between 2011-2020 found that union apprenticeship programs have better outcomes for women and workers of color compared to non-union programs. Key findings include:

Union programs have greater diversity, with 64% white men, 26% men of color, 7% white women, and 2.5% women of color.
More women and workers of color have enrolled in apprenticeship programs in the last decade, with a 57% increase in women and 55% increase in workers of color.
Union programs recruit a higher proportion of women and workers of color compared to non-union programs.
Union programs have a higher graduation rate (58%) compared to non-union programs (36%).
Women and workers of color are more likely to finish their programs in union apprenticeships compared to non-union apprenticeships.
Black apprentices have the lowest graduation rates, but a higher proportion graduate in union programs (33%) compared to non-union programs (23%).