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With an eye toward improving the construction industry’s dismal retention rates among female and minority apprentices, Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries has given nonprofit Oregon Tradeswomen Inc. grant money to promote harassment-free workplaces.

The two-year, $200,000 grant will fund efforts to raise awareness of 鈥渆xpectations of respectful workplaces through improved communication and behavior change,鈥� according to a news release. Trainings will also cover 鈥渂ystander interventions (and) other avenues for addressing disrespectful or discriminatory treatment on the job.鈥�

The money is from the Federal Highway Administration, through the Oregon Department of Transportation‘s Workforce Development initiative.

The pilot project will focus on Newberg-Dundee Bypass construction. The infrastructure enhancement project is intended to reduce traffic congestion along the Oregon Route 99W corridor in the Yamhill Valley. Both prime contractor Hamilton Construction and Portland State University will donate staff time to support the effort.

According to a study by PSU, women and people of color were less likely to complete highway construction apprenticeships, with completion rates of 32 percent by male minorities, 26 percent by white women and 19 percent by female minorities, compared to 41 percent for white men.