C2P2: Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Construction Workforce

A strong and diverse workforce is essential to building healthy, resilient communities, and Oregon Tradeswomen is proud to be part of the regional collaboration making that vision a reality.

Across the greater Portland area, demand for skilled tradesworkers is on the rise. Over the next decade, 22,000 construction jobs are expected to open as major public infrastructure projects move forward. Yet, the workforce is shrinking and aging… 22% of current workers are nearing retirement, while only 8% of new workers are under 25. At the same time, many aspiring tradespeople face barriers to entering and staying in the field, from access to affordable and reliable childcare and transportation, to jobsite harassment and limited mentorship opportunities.

Led by local public agencies who have made policy commitments, and supported by organizations like Oregon Tradeswomen, Construction Career Pathways (C2P2) is a regional strategy to grow and diversify the construction workforce. By investing in pre-apprenticeship training, apprenticeship access, and on-the-job retention supports, this collaborative effort is ensuring that women and BIPOC job-seekers have equitable opportunities to build rewarding, family-wage careers in the trades.

At Oregon Tradeswomen, we see every day how breaking down these barriers changes lives, not just for individual workers, but for families and communities across our region. When more people can succeed in the trades, we all benefit from stronger infrastructure, greater economic resilience, and a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community.

Metro Regional Government’s new Construction Careers Pathways Regional Dashboard highlights the real impact of these efforts, including hard data and compelling stories demonstrating the progress being made to build a better future for all workers. You can also discover active and completed public projects impacted by these efforts.

Visit the dashboard to learn more about how Oregon Tradeswomen and our partners are helping to shape a strong, inclusive, and sustainable construction industry for our region’s future.