March 2-8 marks Women in Construction Week, founded by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), a time dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. This week serves as a reminder of the growing presence and impact of women in a historically male-dominated field. Today, we are honored to highlight one of the industry’s inspiring leaders, April Jorgensen, Vice President of Manufacturing and Automation at Smart Batch Systems.
Leading Innovation in Construction: Meet April Jorgensen
April Jorgensen has been an integral part of the construction industry for over five years, bringing her expertise and passion for technology and manufacturing to Smart Batch Systems. As the Vice President of Manufacturing and Automation, April plays a crucial role in pioneering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in construction.
What Fuels Her Passion for Construction?
April is deeply passionate about the industry because of its significance in shaping communities and driving the economy forward. She emphasizes that this is an exciting time to be in construction, as the industry undergoes a transformative shift towards adopting new technologies. With advancements such as robotics, automation, data analytics, and augmented reality, construction is evolving in ways never seen before.
“Working in the technology enablement space myself, I know I am helping to make the industry safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. It is very rewarding, and you can make a real difference here!” April shares.
A Career Highlight: Transforming Asset Management
Throughout her career, April has led groundbreaking projects that have reshaped how construction companies operate. One of her most memorable achievements was designing a comprehensive Asset Management program to oversee multi-million-dollar fleets of construction equipment. This overhaul included procurement, inventory management, work order management, capital planning, and equipment performance monitoring. It was a significant achievement, integrating years of expertise from various industries and company leaders across the U.S.
Now, returning to her roots in manufacturing, April leads a team dedicated to innovation and excellence in service. “We are building a company dedicated to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and superior service. We have a great product and many ideas in the pipeline. This is by far the most fun I have ever had,” she says.
Advice for Women Considering a Career in Construction
April’s journey serves as an inspiration for women looking to enter the construction industry. She encourages women to explore the industry by visiting construction sites, engaging with professionals, and attending networking events.
“The industry has been very welcoming to women, in my experience. Many leaders recognize the value of having women, who are typically more detail-oriented, on their teams. When men and women work together, we can leverage each other’s strengths and build high-performing teams that achieve great success as a combined unit.”
She also stresses the importance of mentorship and networking, urging women to seek guidance from both male and female professionals in the field. “There are many roles where women can contribute value in every industry, but construction needs more, and the opportunities are here.”
Celebrating Women in Construction
April Jorgensen’s story is a testament to the evolving nature of the construction industry and the vital role women play in shaping its future. Her leadership, innovation, and passion for technology exemplify the endless opportunities available to women in this field.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, let’s continue to support and uplift the incredible women making strides in this industry. Whether you’re considering a career in construction or already paving the way, know that your contributions are valuable, and the future is bright.