The AEC Industry Is Facing a Workforce Crisis — and Retention Is at the Center of It

As infrastructure demands grow across the Southeast, many AEC firms are losing the very talent they worked so hard to recruit: women of color in engineering, architecture, and construction roles.

According to industry benchmarks and internal surveys, up to 68% of new diverse technical hires exit within their first 90 days.
These departures aren’t inevitable — they’re preventable.
The issue isn’t simply recruitment.
It’s the system they enter.
And unless that system changes, attrition will continue to drain your projects, budgets, and leadership pipeline.

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Inside the Diversity Retention Blueprint — What’s Actually Working in AEC Firms

This practical guide distills insights from PositiveHire’s work with AEC firms, HR executives, DEI leaders, and project managers
who are committed to building environments where women of color can thrive.
You’ll discover:
1. How to onboard, engage, and support new technical hires
Onboarding is not paperwork — it’s the foundation of belonging. Learn how firms increase 12-month retention
by 40% with community-driven onboarding models.

2. How to train managers to lead inclusively
People don’t leave companies — they leave managers.
Especially in AEC, where project managers shape culture daily.
Learn how to build leadership habits that improve retention across every demographic.

3. How to build mentorship and sponsorship networks that work
Representation without support becomes a revolving door.
Discover how mentorship + sponsorship can triple satisfaction and retention.

4. How to build a data-informed retention plan
Exit interviews, stay interviews, people analytics — use these tools to see exactly where your attrition risks are hiding.

Designed Specifically for Leaders in AEC & Energy

This guide is essential for:

  • Engineering, architecture, and construction leaders

  • HR executives, DEI leaders, and people operations teams

  • Project managers looking to strengthen their team culture

  • Energy and infrastructure firms focused on workforce resilience

  • Anyone committed to retaining mid-career women of color in technical roles

If your firm is experiencing turnover, especially between years 0–10, this blueprint will help you identify root causes and start fixing them immediately.

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Retaining Women of Color Strengthens Your Entire Workforce

AEC firms cannot meet future infrastructure, Net Zero, or climate-resilience goals without strong technical talent.

Retention is no longer just a DEI initiative —it’s a competitive advantage and a business imperative.

This blueprint will show you what leading firms are already doing to reduce attrition and build sustainable, inclusive environments.

Get Your Free Copy: Diversity Retention Blueprint for AEC Leaders

This guide will help you:

  • Reduce costly turnover
  • Strengthen leadership capability
  • Build inclusive systems that retain top technical talent
  • Improve project performance and team engagement
get the blueprint