According to kxan.com, 36 middle school girls geared up with hard hats, safety goggles, and their own tools in order to learn and take on new tasks. The girls took part in a free camp called the National Association of Women in Construction or NAWIC, that provides hands on learning experiences for young girls. Jolsna Thomas, president of sponsor Rosendin Foundation said, “We wanted something that was going to be very hands-on, and a true learning opportunity, That way, the girls would understand how to work with tools, they would understand the why behind certain things of why you did it, as well as to actually really work with their tools and build something and be proud of it.” According to stats from Workforce Solutions Capital Area, 104,159 people work in construction in the Austin area and women only make up ten percent of that, which is close to the nationwide ratio as well. The sponsors behind the camp also stated that they simply want to promote girls self esteem and confidence when it comes to managing tasks of daily life and how to repair them, regardless of if they decide to go into the construction trade or not. Workforce Solutions Capital Area has reported that over the course of the next decade, that the construction industry in Austin alone will need an additional 21,368 workers. These camps are a way of both empowering young girls, and preparing for a future where they are very much needed in the industry.
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