“Opening Doors” is more than a theme for Construction Inclusion Week; it’s an industry-wide call to action. CIW 2025 invites firms nationwide to come together and address one of the construction industry’s most pressing challenges: the talent gap. By focusing on workforce development, the industry has the opportunity to create a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
The construction industry stands at a crossroads. With hundreds of thousands of skilled workers needed now, and even more in the years ahead, the demand for talent has never been more urgent. Companies that fail to adapt risk leaving critical projects understaffed, while those that embrace change can position themselves for long-term success.
Now is the time to rethink how we attract, welcome, and retain talent. Bridging the workforce gap requires more than just filling jobs, it requires building an industry that is truly inclusive and welcoming to individuals from all backgrounds. That means providing tools, support, and opportunities for every worker to grow, succeed, and thrive.
Construction Inclusion Week provides the resources and guidance to help firms make a difference, one door, one opportunity, and one person at a time.
CIW offers practical tools to help your team implement real change in three key areas:
AWARENESS Increasing visibility into the wide range of careers available in construction:
- Share stories that highlight the humanity behind our work
- Expose students and communities to the projects we build
- Break down stereotypes and promote industry pride
ACCESS Broadening entry points for individuals at every stage of life and career:
- Create intentional outreach to communities that are often overlooked
- Host jobsite tours, hands-on events, and career exploration opportunities
- Partner with schools, nonprofits, and workforce centers to connect talent with opportunity
ADVANCEMENT Ensuring all workers have the support and opportunities to succeed and lead:
- Build inclusive and respectful workplaces
- Offer mentoring, training, and leadership development programs
- Recognize, reward, and retain existing talent
The Pillars That Support Workforce Development
To truly build a workplace for everyone, the industry must focus on the structures that make opportunities both possible and sustainable. CIW’s pillars provide that framework, addressing the key elements in how we attract, support, and retain talent:
- Commitment & Accountability – Upholding a shared responsibility to create meaningful change
- Economic Opportunity – Ensuring access to jobs that lead to stable careers and growth
- Attracting & Retaining Talent – Creating environments that appeal to a diverse workforce
- Belonging & Workplace Culture – Fostering inclusive, respectful, and welcoming teams
- Community Engagement – Building strong connections between companies, communities, and future talent
These pillars guide the industry in creating an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready workforce—one opportunity at a time.
Construction Inclusion Week 2025 is your chance to step forward, open doors, and help build an industry where everyone belongs. By focusing on awareness, access, and advancement, we can bridge the talent gap and create lasting change across the construction industry.