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.

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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January 2026