The Tennessee Titans, in partnership with the Tennessee Builders Alliance, have launched an empowering initiative to provide training for women in construction. The training program, offered as part of a broader effort to increase diversity in the field, is being conducted during Women's History Month.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Construction has become a ubiquitous presence in Nashville, with projects happening around every corner. While this can lead to temporary traffic disruptions, it also presents consistent job opportunities for many residents.

However, despite the increase in construction work, only about one in ten construction workers are women. A new training program currently underway aims to change that dynamic, offering women an opportunity to enter and thrive in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

For Kirsten Prichard, construction is more than just a job—it's a part of her family legacy. Having worked in her family's drywall business for years, Prichard is now seeking formal training to expand her skillset.

"It's been such a short amount of time and I feel like I've learned so much," said Prichard, who is currently enrolled in the Titans Construction Training Camp. She is part of the March cohort of the program, a paid initiative offered by the Tennessee Titans in collaboration with the Tennessee Builders Alliance.

The program is designed to break down the barriers that prevent many from entering the construction field. Miranda Brown, director of programs for Tennessee Titans and One Community, explained: "A lot of times there are barriers. We understand that we have a role to play for all citizens, all residents, all neighbors across Nashville to have an opportunity to be part of this."

The program spans three weeks, during which students learn practical construction skills that will help them secure jobs in the industry. This cohort of students, while diverse in many ways, shares one key characteristic—nearly all of them are women.

Beth Duffield, workforce development manager for the Tennessee Builders Alliance, emphasized the program’s inclusivity: "Our focus is really on helping a broad representation of our community learn about construction and consider those as an option."

In honor of Women's History Month, the organizers of the program intentionally made this cohort predominantly female, as a way of celebrating women's contributions to the workforce and encouraging more women to explore the trades.

For Toshiba Tharp, a student in the program, this initiative offers a chance to change the narrative of her personal experience in construction. "I've been on two construction jobs, and in both of them I was primarily the only woman," said Tharp, who hails from Clarksville. "I'm hoping the skills I learn will give me a chance to contribute in a hands-on way to my rapidly expanding hometown and surrounding communities."

Tharp’s goal is to add value to her community. "I have seen so much growth in the towns and the cities that I have been to, and I thought to myself, as hard as I work, I want to add something to the community as well," she added.

While some graduates of the program may find employment on the new stadium project in Nashville, the main goal of the initiative is broader: to equip more individuals with the skills necessary to enter the construction workforce during a time when skilled workers are in high demand.

Beth Duffield highlighted the urgency of addressing the skills gap: "We know that for every five skilled trades professionals retiring, only one is entering the workforce."

This training program not only provides the necessary skills but also aims to inspire a new generation of workers to consider construction as a viable career path—especially women who have historically been underrepresented in the field.

The Tennessee Titans and the Tennessee Builders Alliance are hopeful that this initiative will serve as a model for other cities and communities, making construction a more inclusive and diverse industry moving forward.

More about the program

‍The Titans Construction Training Camp is part of a larger effort to diversify the workforce in Nashville's rapidly growing construction industry. It includes hands-on training, mentorship, and job placement assistance, ensuring that graduates leave with the tools and experience they need to succeed.

Originally reported by Robb Coles in News Channel 5.