Achieving Unmatched Excellence in Construction Management Education

Expanding Educational Horizons with Cutting-Edge Facilities

As Idaho’s population continues to grow, the need for robust structures and qualified construction management professionals becomes increasingly critical. Recognizing this, Boise State University (BSU) has embarked on an ambitious project to construct the ESI Construction Management Building. This state-of-the-art facility will provide students with unparalleled learning opportunities, featuring advanced classrooms, laboratories, and a spacious high bay equipped with an overhead crane. The building also includes a modern 40-seat computer lab, ensuring that students have access to the latest technology.

The design of the ESI Construction Management Building is not only innovative but also environmentally conscious. As the first mass timber structure on campus, it sets a new standard for sustainable architecture. Donated by Boise Cascade, the building exemplifies the commitment of both the university and industry partners to fostering a greener future. The use of mass timber not only reduces the carbon footprint but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure, creating a unique learning environment for students.

Empowering Future Leaders in Construction Management

Since its inception in 1978, BSU’s Construction Management program has been at the forefront of producing highly skilled professionals. Graduating over 1,200 students since 1980, the program has consistently maintained a 100% job placement rate. The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the construction industry. From hands-on training in the latest technologies to real-world projects, students are prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern construction landscape.

The program has also made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion. Notably, the ESI Construction Management Building was designed by an all-female team of 12 architects, engineers, and designers. This achievement underscores the program’s commitment to empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields. The involvement of female professionals in the design process highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of construction management.

Building Strong Partnerships for Industry Success

The success of the Construction Management program at BSU can be attributed to strong partnerships with leading companies in the industry. An advisory board comprising over 40 companies provides valuable insights and guidance, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date. These collaborations extend beyond the classroom, offering students internships, mentorship opportunities, and networking events. Such connections are instrumental in preparing students for successful careers in construction management.

Neil Nelson, president of Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI), who graduated from the program in 1995, emphasized the enduring impact of the Construction Management program. “This is a special culture around construction management that has never lost its vibe,” he remarked. “I couldn’t be more proud of my CM degree, the program, and its relationship with the university.” The program’s ability to maintain its vibrancy and relevance over the years is a testament to its strength and adaptability.

Cultivating Innovation and Collaboration in the Construction Industry

The ESI Construction Management Building is more than just a physical structure; it represents the heart of the program’s mission to cultivate innovation and collaboration. The building features a large student collaboration area, where students can engage in group projects, brainstorm ideas, and develop creative solutions to complex construction challenges. This space fosters a collaborative environment that mirrors real-world working conditions, preparing students for successful careers in the industry.

Grant Gustafson, president of the Construction Management Association student club, shared his experiences with the program. “Through this program, I’ve built some of the best connections that I can build, really. Not just with my peers, but also with my professors,” he said. “They’ve not only pushed me, but they’ve guided me to become a person that I’m really proud of and set me on a path that I am ready to follow.” The building serves as a hub for students to grow, connect, and prepare to make a difference in the construction industry.

The construction sector, traditionally dominated by male workers, is witnessing a transformative shift as more women enter the workforce. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that women now constitute 11.5% of the industry's payroll employees, up from around 9% prior to 2016. This increase is driven by initiatives like the Department of Labor’s Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program, which aims to boost female participation. With the industry facing a significant labor shortage, recruiting women has become crucial for sustaining growth and meeting demand.

Over the past several years, the proportion of women in construction has steadily risen. Prior to 2016, female representation hovered between 8.9% and 9.5%. Since then, it has climbed nearly every year, reaching 11.1% in 2022 and continuing its upward trajectory to 11.5% in 2023. This growth reflects both efforts to address workforce shortages and initiatives aimed at increasing diversity, such as targeted training programs and grants. The rise in female employment not only enhances the industry's diversity but also addresses the pressing need for skilled labor.

Nationwide, over 1.3 million women are employed in construction, compared to more than 10 million men. While women remain underrepresented in field-based roles, they are more likely to work in office and administrative positions, making up nearly 80% of these roles. Professional, sales, and management positions also see higher concentrations of women. However, female representation in transportation, construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair jobs remains low, with percentages ranging from 2.0% to 4.5%. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges in diversifying fieldwork roles.

One of the most significant advantages for women entering the construction industry is the potential for higher wages. Full-time female workers in construction earn a median annual wage of $54,044, surpassing the median of $52,458 for women across all industries. Interestingly, the gender pay gap in construction is notably smaller, standing at just 4.9% compared to the national average of 18.9%. For men, however, the median annual wage in construction ($56,805) is lower than in other sectors ($64,705), offering an interesting contrast in earnings dynamics.

Regional variations in female employment within the construction industry also highlight different workforce dynamics. Alaska leads the nation with 13.8% of its construction workforce being female, followed closely by Hawaii at 13.4%. States in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the South Atlantic also report higher-than-average female representation. At the metropolitan level, cities like Jacksonville, FL, and Orlando, FL, lead with female employment shares exceeding 16%. Conversely, areas like McAllen, TX, have significantly lower rates, with only 6.7% of construction workers being female. These regional differences underscore the importance of localized efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, the growing presence of women represents a pivotal step toward greater diversity and economic opportunity. The combination of targeted initiatives, higher wages, and a narrowing gender pay gap makes construction an increasingly attractive career path for women. Addressing the labor shortage while fostering inclusivity will be essential for the industry's future success and sustainability.