1. Department of Industrial Relations

Women in Construction

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DIR supports women’s careers, rights, and safety in California’s construction industry. The resources below are for employers, women in construction, or those interested in a career in construction, to understand their workplace rights and where to find support.

In California, all workers have rights – no matter the job, and regardless of sex, race, gender, immigration status, and other protected characteristics (actual or perceived).
Resources and Support Learn more about mentorship programs, child care resources and where to get support.
Trade and Training Information Explore careers in the building, construction and fire trades.
Parental Leave and Child Care Learn about employee leave rights to care for themselves, a family member or a new child as well as identify local childcare resources.   
Workplace Safety Learn about rights to a safe workplace and how to prevent injuries and illness.
Workers’ Rights Learn about labor rights and how to take action against wage theft and retaliation.
Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment Learn about how to identify and prevent sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination.

Events

Considering joining an upcoming event to learn more about careers for women in construction.

  • March 1-7, 2026: Women in Construction Week
    Find events hosted around California:
    www.nawic.org/events/2026-wic-week
  • March 7, 2026: She Builds, She Leads, She Inspires
    Hosted by the Northern California Laborers
    The Northern California Laborers’ Training Center, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    1001 Westside Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583
    Register by March 4
  • March 8, 2026: International Women’s Day
    ILWU Memorial Hall, 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    231 W C St, Wilmington, California 90744
    www.ilwu.org
  • March 11, 2026: Women Build California Summit
    Hosted by ERiCA Grantee Associated General Contractors
    Tickets available for members and non-members, 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
    2450 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, California 95051
    www.agc-ca.org/event/women-build-california-summit
  • March 12, 2026: Worksite Culture Workshop on Mental Health
    Hosted by ERiCA Grantee State Building and Construction Trades Council
    State Building & Construction Trades Council Meeting Room, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    1231 I Street, Suite 302, Sacramento, CA 95814
    Register online
  • May 2-3, 2026: Union Women: Stronger Together Conference
    Hosted by ERiCA Grantee State Building and Construction Trades Council
    San Jose McEnery Convention Center
    150 W San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA 95113
    Register: https://cabuildingtrades.org/2026-union-women-stronger-together-conference
  • May 5-8, 2026: California Conference on Apprenticeship
    Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
    170 Railroad Street
    Santa Rosa, California 95401
    www.cac-cca.org
  • October 9-11, 2026: Tradeswomen Build Nations National Conference
    Hosted by Trades Future
    Houston, Texas
    www.tradesfutures.org/initiatives/tradeswomen-build-nations 

As part of the 2022/23 Budget Act, Governor Newsom signed into law legislation to create the Women in Construction program at the Department of Industrial Relations. The goal of the program is to support women and nonbinary individuals in entering and successfully working in the construction workforce. Methods to do this include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting and providing resources to women and nonbinary individuals including apprentices and journeypersons in the construction industry
  • Developing materials and training for employers and unions to promote recruitment and retention
  • Maintaining an internet website on workers’ rights
In addition, the legislation established a Women in Construction advisory committee within DIR to make recommendations to advance the objectives of program.

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February 2026