Kelly’s research connects the sector’s lack of diversity and retention to systemic lapses: Underrepresented groups often miss out on mentorship and training opportunities, she found, and are more likely to be assigned menial tasks like flagging or cleanup instead of being able to develop skills that could advance their careers. They are less likely to make the kinds of personal connections crucial to consistent employment and tend to accrue job hours more slowly than their White male counterparts. The latter dictates when they advance from apprentice to journeyman, for which there is a significant difference in pay.

Source: Washington Post July 22, 2021 20:15 UTC