LP backs women in manufacturing initative
LP Building Solutions is looking to help close the gender gap in manufacturing.
The building products manufacturer and solutions provider has pledged to support the Manufacturing Institute’s “35x30” initiative. The Manufacturing Institute is the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
The effort is looking to a half-million women to the industry, which would increase female representation from the current 29% to 35%.
LP said it is dedicated to adding more women and minorities to its team and fostering an inclusive workforce.
To support these goals, LP decided to partner with NAM, where LP’s CEO, Brad Southern, currently sits on the board.
“We are proud to invest in the Manufacturing Institute’s ‘35x30’ campaign,” Southern said. “By building and developing a more diverse, engaged, and highly skilled workforce, we’re also building a better, more resilient, and more competitive manufacturing industry.”
One of the initiatives under the “35x30” campaign is the Women MAKE Mentorship Program. LP’s contribution will support this nationwide movement, which seeks to empower women in the industry by training more than 1,000 women mentors in manufacturing. The mentors will be connected with younger women in the industry and in educational institutions, such as four-year colleges, universities, community colleges, high schools and middle schools, and even refugees.
The campaign will also collaborate with manufacturers on strategies to attract and retain female talent and broaden the workforce pipeline by supporting women throughout their education. The Women MAKE America initiative will focus on retention and recruitment in the industry while recognizing the strides that women have already made.
Molly LeBlanc, an LP team member, was honored with the Women MAKE America Award this year, demonstrating LP’s commitment to supporting women in achieving their career goals.
“We are thankful to have partners like LP Building Solutions who support our mission to close the manufacturing skills gap and significantly increase the number of women to the manufacturing industry by 2030,” said Manufacturing Institute National Director of Women’s Engagement, Isabelle Powell. “The campaign is an unprecedented plan to strengthen our workforce and build the talent pipeline. We are thrilled to have the support of industry leaders who recognize the power of women in the workforce. This initiative will help many women of all ages find their way into a successful, rewarding career in modern manufacturing.”
LP also noted that its dedication to supporting women extends beyond the “35x30” campaign.
Every year, the company sponsors the YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement, which highlights women making significant community contributions. LP also provides an annual bursary to Vancouver Island University’s Women in Trades Training program, focusing on supporting Indigenous women pursuing careers in manufacturing.
In 2022, LP donated to the National Association of Women in Construction and Black Women Build, showcasing its continued support for women in the industry and commitment to fostering a diverse workforce.
