BOSTON (WPRI) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order Monday aimed at increasing the number of women and historically underrepresented populations in construction. Women have traditionally been underrepresented in construction jobs and skilled trades, compromising only 11% of the industry workforce and 4% of trade operations, according to Healey. Healey's executive order establishes a Diverse and Equitable Construction Workforce Participation Committee, which will identify and encourage best practices for state agencies to encourage equitable workforce participation in construction, such as utilizing registered apprentices, hiring local businesses and those with a record of hiring women and underrepresented populations, and encouraging contractors to provide supportive services like child care. "Here in Massachusetts, we know that we get the best results when our workforce reflects the rich diversity of the people of our state," Healey said. "The construction industry offers good-paying jobs and benefits that sustain families, and it's important that we increase access to this field for women and historically underrepresented groups." "Not only is it good for these workers and their families, but it’s also good for our employers and our economy as a whole," she continued. Healey signed the executive order alongside U.S. Commerce Secretary and former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, who has spearheaded President Joe Biden's effort to expand access to high-quality construction jobs for women and historically underrepresented populations, including minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ and those with disabilities. Raimondo said Biden's investments in American manufacturing and infrastructure have provided "a unique opportunity to bring more women into the trades than ever before." "We're stepping up the momentum so that more women can join the construction industry over the next decade and get into these good-paying jobs," Raimondo explained. Nancy Luc, executive director of Building Pathways, described Healey's executive order as "a powerful and necessary step toward ensuring equity and opportunity in the construction industry." "We see firsthand the transformative impact that access to family-sustaining careers has on individuals, families and communities," Luc said. "These measures directly align with our mission to prepare and empower underrepresented groups for success in the building trades." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW