construction

Kids at work: States try to ease child labor laws at behest of industry

BY: - April 7, 2023

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers in 11 states have either passed or introduced laws to roll back child labor laws — a push that’s come from industry trade organizations and mostly conservative legislators as businesses scramble for low-wage workers.  In the past two years, those states have moved to extend working hours for children, eliminate work permit […]

Natalie Bell, 23, an art student turned welder from Columbus, Ohio, says a welding class and a chance pizza delivery led her to a career in construction. She's worked in construction since 2019. (Photo by Graham Stokes for States Newsroom)

Help wanted: Women needed for U.S. chips manufacturing plan to succeed

BY: - March 27, 2023

Natalie Bell was thinking about a career in art after college when a welding class and a delivery of four pizzas changed her career trajectory.  “I was taking a delivery out to a construction site, and I met an ironworker who I was taking the delivery to,” said Bell, who lives in Columbus, Ohio. “I […]