Under the Hard Hat

Tag: California

  • California announces $13 million to reduce barriers for women in construction

    California announces $13 million to reduce barriers for women in construction

    Construction is an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry.  In 2024, just 11.2% of US construction workers were female, and in California, only 4% of building trades apprentices were women. To address this imbalance and create conditions conducive to women working in the industry, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has announced $13 million in funding available through the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grant.

    The grant, managed by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), represents the second round of funding to expand opportunities for women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in the construction industry.

    In a press release, DIR director Katie Hagen said, “DIR’s apprenticeship programs embody California’s commitment to fostering a diverse workforce that enhances productivity and strengthens the economy. The grant funding announced today will continue our efforts to advance equity and inclusion while meeting critical labor market demands in high-need industries.”

    Rather than simply focusing on ramped-up recruitment efforts, the ERiCA grant strives to help prospective female applicants address barriers to joining apprenticeship programs, such as childcare costs. The grant program assists working mothers with childcare costs by providing funding for childcare and babysitting services. By reducing or removing this barrier to training in the skilled trades, DIR can make it easier for women to pursue apprenticeship programs.  

    The ERiCA grant also provides funding to create a more welcoming, inclusive environment for women when they reach the job site. This training is crucial because, according to a 2021 survey, 26.5% of respondents experienced frequent harassment for being a woman, and 23.6% experienced “frequent sexual harassment.” This funding covers mentoring, mental health support, and anti-harassment training for all personnel on the construction site, from apprentices and laborers to contractors and managers. 

    Adele Burnes, acting chief of the DAS, said the grant would help level the playing field. “Building trades apprenticeships offer a significant opportunity for economic mobility,” she said. “This grant ensures that we are breaking down barriers and building awareness among women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented populations in construction careers.”

    In the first round of the ERiCA grant, $25 million of funding was shared between 19 programs, including Childcare Leading to Inclusion in Construction and Hard Hat Women’s Equity Education Initiative. 

    Those wishing to apply for the grant can now apply for the second round of grant funding by visiting https://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/Grants/ERICA.html.

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  • Turner tops out the $345M 222 North project in San Marcos, California

    Turner tops out the $345M 222 North project in San Marcos, California

    Turner Construction and its partners celebrated the completion of the $345 million 222 North project in San Marcos, California. This milestone marks significant progress in a large-scale mixed-use development set to transform the area. Once complete, the project will include residential units, retail spaces, and community amenities to support San Marcos’s growing population and infrastructure needs.  

    North City development. Photo source: Sea Breeze Properties.

    The project, located near the SPRINTER rail line and City Hall, spans over 600,000 square feet and consists of four interconnected buildings. It will feature 330 residential units, approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space, and 13,000 square feet of office space. Community-focused amenities include a public plaza, parking facilities, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. By combining retail, office, and residential spaces in one development, the 222 North project aims to create a vibrant, walkable environment for locals.  

    Turner Construction worked closely with developers Sea Breeze Properties and designers at Architects Orange to bring this project to life. The construction process emphasized energy-efficient design and sustainable materials to reduce the project’s environmental impact. With the structural framework now complete, the team will focus on interior finishes, landscaping, and infrastructure details as the project heads toward completion.  

    A unique feature of 222 North is its commitment to seamlessly integrating public and private spaces. The development’s centerpiece is a community plaza that will serve as a hub for events, gatherings, and everyday socializing. Retail tenants, including restaurants and specialty shops, are expected to energize the space further by attracting foot traffic and creating a lively atmosphere.  

    North City development. Photo source: Sea Breeze Properties.

    This mixed-use project represents a significant investment in San Marcos’s downtown core, supporting economic growth and revitalizing the area. During construction, 222 North created hundreds of jobs and is expected to sustain long-term economic activity once operational.  

    Turner Construction’s reputation for efficiently handling large-scale projects played a key role in meeting the structural milestone on time. The topping-out event, held on the project’s site, brought together the project’s stakeholders, construction teams, and local leaders to celebrate this achievement. As one of the largest recent developments in San Marcos, 222 North is anticipated to set a new standard for mixed-use construction in the region.  

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