This week, we join our industry in celebrating Women in Construction Week — a time to recognize and honor the remarkable contributions of women who are building, innovating, leading, and shaping the future of construction.
We caught up with Truck Driver Lana Applewhite and asked her to share her experience in the field and as a woman in this industry. Here is what she had to say:
What does a day in your role look like?
I clock in most days at two in the morning and load up my trailer, then I deliver it to one of our plants. When I don’t have any liquids to haul, I will haul gravel and other materials from our pit to our plants or with with road crews milling or laying asphalt.
What do you love about working in the construction industry?
My dad was a foreman for a road construction company for 35 years. I love seeing the results of our work. Driving on a road and knowing we did that. Now I understand my dad when he would point out roads he helped build. It is a sense of pride. I also drove cross-country for 15 years before this, so I love being able to be home every day and being able to have more time for family and hobbies.
How would you encourage other women who are interested in joining the construction industry?
This is not a job just for men; women can do it too. Just do the job the best you can, be safe, and take pride in what you do.
Dickerson & Bowen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Granite Construction. Learn more at https://www.graniteconstruction.com/company/our-brands.