This week is Women in Construction Week and in celebration we’re profiling a few of our incredible female Barton Malow team members. WIC Week is an annual event put on by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. We also invite you to participate by posting on social media using #WICWeek2021 and recognize the women in construction who inspire you, share advice for other women in construction, or post a picture.
Name: Jill Maul
Current Role: Management Laborer
Current Location: Wayne County Criminal Justice Center; Detroit, Michigan
Years in the Industry: 6 months
What led you to a career in the construction industry?
I had been looking for a career change when COVID-19 shut my restaurant down. My husband has been working for Barton Malow for 30 years and found out they were looking for women workers. Stability, insurance, and eventually having my own pension made all of my fears melt away.
What are some of the biggest challenges of being a woman working in construction?
Some of the biggest challenges are getting used to weather conditions, finding strength you didn’t know you had, and of course…. Porta John’s!
What do you love most about your career?
I love learning new things. Working as a team to build something that will be there for years is super rewarding.
What advice would you give a women starting out in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to try! And safety! Keep your head on a swivel and be aware of what’s going on around you. Also, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
This year’s theme is “Connect, Collaborate, Construct.” What are some of the ways you’ve worked to connect, collaborate, and construct with other women in construction?
I don’t have much interaction with the few women on my job because they are in different trades. I think more women should join because I love my new job!
