The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) has created an innovative new program to foster success in the contracting industry by women already in the field or women aspiring to have a successful career in construction. We all know that women are a powerful force in the workplace, from Fortune 500 companies to public service, and they currently comprise 10 percent of the construction industry workforce.

The ROC is pleased to partner with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Phoenix and Phoenix East Valley chapters, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Metro Chapter, as well as other prominent women in the industry, to develop and host a three-part Women in Construction Workshop series.

The ROC’s Women in Construction Workshop series will provide resources and information to current and aspiring female contractors to address the unique challenges and issues facing women in construction. Workshop participants also will have access to the ROC’s resources, including speakers, brochures, e-mail alerts and newsletters.

The Women in Construction Workshop series includes:

• Getting to Know Your ROC, which will provide an overview of the ROC’s role in regulating the contracting industry and the programs and resources available to contractors.
• Getting Your ROC License, which will cover the “nuts and bolts” of the ROC application process and requirements. Additionally, representatives from the bonding, insurance and other services for contractors will be present to answer questions and provide information.
• Maintaining Your ROC License, which will address ROC workmanship standards, tips on protecting and maintaining a contractor’s license, the complaint process, job site inspections, administrative hearings and ROC programs for contractors and consumers.

The first workshop in the Women in Construction series, Getting to Know Your ROC, was held Tuesday, Nov. 8, at the ROC’s main office. The remaining two workshops are scheduled for January 2006. Workshop Two, Getting Your ROC License, will be held 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the ROC's main office, 800 W. Washington St., first floor, Phoenix. Workshop Three, Maintaining Your ROC License, will be held Thursday, Jan. 19. For more information about the workshop, please call the ROC at 602-542-1525 ext. 7106, or send e-mail to wendy.gutierrez@azroc.gov.