Hispanic Contractors Association de SA Launches Student Chapter to Encourage Women to Enter Construction Workforce
By Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran
Opportunities and support are plentiful for women interested in pursuing careers in construction, says a board member of the Hispanic Contractors Association de SA (HCA), and it’s why the organization has created a student chapter to encourage more women and others to enter the industry and enjoy meaningful and well-paying jobs.
“The student chapter will focus on workforce development,” said HCA Board Member Stephanie Alvarado, who is also business development coordinator for SpawGlass. “We’re helping build the next generation of construction professionals, such as contractors, project managers, business owners, and estimators. Our long-term goal is to strengthen the regional workforce and let women know about exciting careers in construction.”
The student chapter, Alvarado added, offers educational advancement, mentorship for leadership, industry networking, and diversity inclusion, among other opportunities. The goal is to develop a sustainable talent pipeline to address industry needs, along with a focus on expanding opportunities for women entering the construction field.
“We’re about empowering underrepresented individuals and businesses,” Alvarado explained. “We interact and collaborate with other architects and engineers. This will create a more inclusive pipeline of future industry leaders reflective of the San Antonio community. It will also have an impact on regional economic development. HCA is the bridge between education and industry.”
HCA is currently partnering with the Alamo Colleges District’s Northeast Lakeview College through its Construction Management Program to help develop the next generation of construction workers. Scheduled to begin this fall, the program will include resume building, public speaking skills, construction topics, and job opportunities for students, Alvarado said, adding that the initiative is another avenue for HCA to encourage women to consider a career in construction.
The Construction Management program prepares graduates to work in all phases of the construction business, according to the district website. These include public and private projects, industrial projects, rural highways, and major interstates. Completing this program equips students with the skills to manage scheduling, cost control, materials, safety, and other important issues within a large or small-scale construction project.
Alvarado is excited about the growing presence of women entering the field through nontraditional pathways. Nationally, about 11 percent of women make up the construction workforce, according to the National Association of Home Builders. But that is beginning to change, she notes
“Women are now entering through pre-apprenticeships, dual credit and career academics, community colleges, workforce grants, and hands-on industry exposure,” she said. “These pathways are also offering wraparound support, such as childcare, mentorships, transportation assistance, and OSHA certificates. These factors have shown improved long-term success and retention for women entering the trade.”
Alvarado points out that women entering the construction field are also shaping the industry culture across San Antonio. “They’re no longer just in administrative roles,” she said, adding that women are increasing the rates for more project managers, superintendents, safety managers, welders, electricians, carpenters, and project executives.
“I think that for the construction industry facing a workforce shortage, expanding opportunities for women helps strengthen the workforce pipeline needed to meet future demand,” she said.
Alvarado is proud that her employer, SpawGlass, is playing a significant role in developing and sustaining the local construction workforce in San Antonio. In fact, one of its project managers, Angela Vasquez, serves as President of the UTSA Construction Science and Management (CSM) Program Alumni Council. Along with Alvarado, who in her role as a board member governs the HCA Student Chapter, both are focused on advancing opportunities that support and empower construction students across the San Antonio region.
Meanwhile, staff from the Alamo Colleges Northeast Lakeview Construction Management Program is currently in discussions with the UTSA Construction Science and Management program to establish an agreement that would create a seamless transfer pathway for students. The proposed agreement is presently under review by the Dean at UTSA and has not yet been finalized or executed, Alvarado said.
“It will establish an educational and professional pipeline connecting community college students to a four-year degree in CSM,” she said. “The program will help create access to higher education while preparing the next generation of construction professionals, industry leaders, and future business owners.”
Each year, HCA offers scholarships to assist undergraduate, post-graduate, and technical/trade students who are either members of HCA or one of their immediate family members is a member. Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. The HCA de SA Scholarship program is funded by members through their annual golf tournament.
To apply, visit hcadesa.org/hca-de-sa-scholarship
