Growing Up With Concrete: How the Industry Is Opening Doors for Women in Cement Masonry Careers

The concrete construction industry has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but that landscape is shifting. Organizations such as the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) are leading efforts to attract and retain a more diverse workforce. One of the most compelling voices in this movement is Kilah Engelke, Business Manager of OPCMIA Local 599, representing the state of Wisconsin. Her journey from a summer laborer on a paving crew to the leader of a major union local illustrates the opportunities available in cement masonry and related trades. Understanding the differences between materials and methods in this field is essential for any professional. For a detailed breakdown of terminology, see Cement Plaster Vs Cement Render Vs Cement Screed, which clarifies key distinctions every concrete worker should know.

The Changing Face of Concrete Trades: From Personal Journey to Industry Movement

Engelke’s entry into the concrete industry was unplanned. Her stepfather, an estimator for a major highway paving contractor, often brought home road-building plans that covered the basement walls. When Engelke needed to pay for college, he put her on a crew. Her first task was simple: stand at an intersection and keep pedestrians and cyclists off fresh concrete until it set. That summer job turned into a 27-year career.

From the Crew to the Boardroom

After high school, Engelke joined a paving crew and eventually entered a cement mason apprenticeship through the OPCMIA. She worked her way up through the ranks, becoming a business agent in 2018, serving two terms as recording secretary, and finally taking over as Business Manager of OPCMIA Local 599 in July 2024. Her trajectory demonstrates that cement masonry offers genuine pathways to leadership, not just a job on the tools.

Industry-Wide Push for Inclusion

When Engelke started, women on job sites were a rarity. She recalls many weeks where she was the only woman on site, or one of two. Today, that picture is slowly changing. Trade unions across the construction spectrum are implementing policies that make careers accessible to a broader demographic:

• Maternity leave provisions in union contracts
• Childcare support programs and grant initiatives
• Targeted outreach to women, minorities, and veterans
• Mentorship and affinity groups at the national and local level
• Anti-harassment training and mental health awareness programs

Despite these advances, Engelke notes that concrete finishing remains one of the most labor-intensive trades, which can slow the pace of demographic change. The perishable nature of concrete means crews must work on the material’s schedule, not a 9-to-5 clock, creating unique challenges for work-life balance. For more on how concrete durability is enhanced through modern mix designs, read about Concrete Durability Inhibitor Admixed Cement.

Overcoming Barriers: Imposter Syndrome and Internal Mindset

When asked about the biggest challenges she faced, Engelke points not to external obstacles but to internal ones. She describes a well-known phenomenon in leadership circles: imposter syndrome. Surrounded by strong, experienced men on the crew, she often questioned whether she belonged.

The Internal Battle

Engelke remembers early days on the crew when she cried, wondering if she would make it through. However, she emphasizes that the work itself did not get easier. She got better at it. She learned to use leverage and physics differently. She developed physical strength in the areas that mattered. The key insight was recognizing that she was her own biggest barrier.

Practical Strategies for Overcoming Self-Doubt

Engelke’s approach to fighting imposter syndrome is methodical and practical. She recommends the following strategies for anyone entering a non-traditional role:

1. Remind yourself why you are there. She was elected by her members to lead. That external validation is a powerful counter to internal doubt.
2. Lean on the people around you. Engelke actively seeks advice and counsel from mentors, colleagues, and her team. She is not afraid to ask questions.
3. Recognize that others have navigated this before. If the people before her figured things out, she reasons, so can she.
4. Practice internal self-talk. Acknowledge the doubt, but do not let it drive decisions.
5. Stay coachable and trainable. Engelke attributes her success to wanting to be good at the work and being willing to learn from everyone around her.

Apprenticeship as the Gateway: Why Earn-While-You-Learn Programs Work

Engelke is a strong advocate for registered apprenticeships as the primary entry point into concrete trades. Having gone through the OPCMIA apprenticeship herself, she speaks from firsthand experience about the model’s effectiveness. Understanding the fundamentals of Cement Concrete Construction is critical knowledge that apprentices gain through these programs.

The Apprenticeship Advantage

Apprenticeships offer a debt-free pathway into a stable, well-paying career. Apprentices earn while they learn, with wages increasing as they progress through the program. Schooling is fully paid for, removing the financial barriers that can make college prohibitive for many candidates.

What Employers Look For

Based on her experience placing workers with contractors across Wisconsin, Engelke identifies the key attributes that make an apprentice successful:

• Punctuality. Her stepfather’s rule was simple: “You’re not on time unless you’re 15 minutes early.” That discipline extends to being prepared with tools, having the right mindset, and respecting the crew’s schedule.
• Commitment. Concrete work demands follow-through. The material does not wait, and neither can the crew.
• Teachability. Being coachable and open to feedback is more valuable than prior experience. The best apprentices are those who listen, ask questions, and apply what they learn.
• Work ethic. In construction, hard work and reliability are what get people ahead. Technical skills can be taught; character cannot.

Groups That Help Women Enter the Trades

Organizations like Empower and the OPCMIA Steel Edge Women provide mentoring, networking, and support for women entering construction. The OPCMIA Steel Edge Women, officially formed as a committee in 2019, has grown steadily. At the World of Concrete trade show, the OPCMIA booth is now entirely staffed and operated by women, demonstrating visible leadership. These groups collectively represent hundreds of years of industry experience and offer practical guidance on navigating workplace challenges, seeking leadership roles, and building lasting careers.

Looking Ahead: Innovation, Mental Health, and the Future Workforce

The concrete industry stands at a crossroads. On one side, technological innovations such as 3D-printed concrete structures promise to change how work is done. On the other, a growing mental health crisis in construction demands attention. Unions like the OPCMIA must navigate both challenges while continuing to attract the next generation of workers. For infrastructure applications, the principles of Cement Concrete Roads demonstrate the enduring importance of skilled concrete work in public projects.

Technological Change and Its Impact on Manpower

Engelke identifies 3D printing as a development worth watching. While the technology could reduce the need for certain types of manual labor, she believes it will not fully replace skilled workers. Instead, it will change the nature of the work, requiring new skills and different kinds of expertise. Unions that stay ahead of these trends will be best positioned to protect their members’ interests.

The Mental Health Imperative

Perhaps the most critical cultural shift Engelke highlights is the growing focus on mental health. Suicide rates in the construction industry are alarmingly high, and the demanding physical and scheduling pressures of concrete work can compound mental health challenges. Addressing this requires:

• Open conversations about mental well-being on job sites
• Training for supervisors to recognize warning signs
• Access to counseling and support resources through union benefits
• A workplace culture that values health over machismo
• Policies that accommodate work-life balance where possible

Advice for Concrete Contractors

Engelke shares a powerful story from her last day working in the field, just before moving into her union representative role. A contractor she had worked for over 13 years told her, “If I knew you were never going to have kids, I would have made you a foreman a long time ago.” She understood the comment as a backward compliment, but it underscores a critical point for employers. Accommodations for family life, flexible scheduling where possible, and an open mind about who can be a leader are essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

Her advice to contractors is direct: look at what you might consider accommodations as investments, not drawbacks. Ask yourself how you can do things differently to attract the people you want. The contractor who finds good leadership qualities in unexpected places will be the one who builds the strongest crew for the future.

Conclusion: Building a Workforce for Tomorrow

Kilah Engelke’s journey from a young woman watching concrete dry at a Wisconsin intersection to the Business Manager of OPCMIA Local 599 shows what is possible when the construction industry opens its doors. With apprenticeship programs offering debt-free training, mentorship networks like the Steel Edge Women providing support, and a growing awareness of mental health and inclusion, the concrete trades are evolving. The industry needs people who are punctual, committed, teachable, and ready to work. For those who fit that description, regardless of gender, the opportunities in cement masonry and concrete construction have never been greater.