The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, in partnership with Whitbeck Construction and WSWHE BOCES, proudly wrapped up another highly successful Girls Construction Summer Camp at the Whitbeck Construction Education Center in Gansevoort, New York.
The camp continues to serve as an innovative and hands-on program designed to introduce young women to the many rewarding career paths available in the construction industry. With only 11% of the construction workforce made up of females nationwide, the initiative seeks to inspire and empower the next generation of builders, leaders, and trades professionals.
The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition was originally founded by Doug Ford and Pam Stott (formerly) of Curtis Lumber and became a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization in 2023. Since then, the coalition has expanded its outreach and impact by building partnerships and creating opportunities to strengthen the future of the skilled trades workforce.
Over two week-long sessions, held July 21-25 and July 28-August 1, girls in grades 6 through 8 were immersed in a unique blend of hand-on learning, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. Campers gained confidence using tools, applying math and science concepts, and completing real-world projects such as toolboxes, benches, and Adirondack chairs. The program also featured construction site and business field trips, offering a firsthand look at the many career opportunities in today’s construction industry.
One of the highlights of the camp was the Construction Olympics, where campers showcased their new skills in a spirited, team-based competition. “This camp is all about opening doors and driving awareness,” said Doug Ford co-founder and President of the NCTWC. “Every year we see the transformation—girls who come in unsure of themselves leave with confidence, skills, and the realization that they can succeed in this industry. That is the heart of what this program is about.”
The success of the Girls Construction Summer Camp reflects the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to addressing workforce challenges while building the next generation of leaders in the trades. By giving young women early exposure to construction, the program not only helps fill a growing industry need but also ensures a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive future workforce.
The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization with a mission “to educate, inspire, and connect people in pursuit of rewarding careers in the trades, driving economic growth while building and sustaining our communities.” With more than 80 member organizations, the coalition is committed to ensuring the construction sector remains strong, innovative, and well-staffed with skilled professionals ready to build the world of tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.nctwc.org.
