When Brenna Moore faced a decision at 19: attending college or entering an apprenticeship, she chose the path less traveled. Now, 13 years later, Brenna is a prominent figure in construction, demonstrating that the trades offer not just financial stability but powerful opportunities for personal growth and leadership.
Construction is booming, yet the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled workers. Brenna highlights that this labor gap is only widening as more seasoned workers retire and infrastructure projects increase nationwide. But there’s a promising solution: empowering more women to join construction, a sector traditionally dominated by men.
During our conversation on Titans of the Trades, Brenna shared her insights about the realities of working in construction. “Authenticity,” she says, “is your greatest tool.” Brenna learned early that fitting into outdated stereotypes was neither necessary nor beneficial. Her success skyrocketed when she embraced being herself, a valuable lesson for leaders aiming to attract and retain young, diverse talent.
Brenna’s passion shines through her involvement with the National Equipment League, an innovative competition bringing the excitement of professional sports to the construction world. Imagine operators competing in excavator challenges, showcasing their skills while drawing public attention. These events highlight that careers in construction are not only essential but exciting and rewarding.
One of Brenna’s most impactful experiences came through Camp Build Her, a program introducing young girls to construction careers. Brenna vividly described mentoring Amber, a participant whose transformation inspired Brenna to overcome her own self-doubt. Amber’s journey from a timid camper to an aspiring heavy equipment operator embodies the potential impact such programs can have. Brenna underscores that introducing trades early, especially to young women, is critical to addressing the labor shortage in construction.
However, Brenna emphasizes the importance of honest conversations about the industry. “Construction is not all sunshine and rainbows,” she says. “It’s demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally. But it’s incredibly rewarding.” Authentic messaging attracts the right people who understand and embrace the challenges alongside the opportunities.
Leadership plays a significant role in creating an inclusive environment. Brenna recounts how certain company leaders set clear expectations around respect and professionalism, significantly improving her work experiences. Leaders in construction must understand that setting a foundation of respect can profoundly influence workplace culture and employee retention.
Brenna’s advice for industry executives and hiring managers is clear: authenticity and inclusivity are non-negotiable. Construction companies must actively promote diverse representation and acknowledge the evolving landscape of work. This forward-thinking approach isn’t just beneficial, it’s necessary to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Want to hear more of Brenna Moore’s powerful journey and insights into the future of construction? Listen to the full Titans of the Trades episode today.
Connect With Brenna:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenna-e-moore302/
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