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Mon March 18, 2024 - National Edition #7
Dubuque, Iowa's Kait Burds took home top honors at Caterpillar's first Women in Construction Celebration, March 13-14 in Clayton, N.C.
Burds successfully demonstrated her advanced machine operator skills by maneuvering difficult work site challenges in record time with extreme precision.
Burds was one of 18 women — representing Cat dealers throughout the Americas — who gathered at Caterpillar's Edward J. Rapp Customer & Training Center to compete in the state-of-the-art skills tests, learn about the latest industry trends and network with peers.
"I feel really good; the competition was pretty stiff. It's good affirmation of the hard work I put into my career," said Burds. "I hope this event gives women in construction more exposure and gives them the confidence to go out and do things that scare them."
The skills tests included expertise in the following areas:
Along with the tests, the competitors participated in a panel discussion where they shared best practices, discussed managing a successful career in a male-dominated industry and talked about the importance of recruiting more female operators and technicians into the workforce.
"The event is a celebration of female machine operators who build our world, advocate and drive awareness for their trade, and highlight solutions that address jobsite needs," said Caterpillar marketing manager Chrissy Metz. "Each competitor demonstrates advanced abilities operating the latest Cat construction machines and technologies, showing the world the invaluable role women play in the construction industry."
Renowned Air Force fighter pilot, retired Lieutenant Colonel Tammy Barlette, delivered a powerful and inspiring keynote during the opening lunch where she shared lessons learned from her years in the cockpit that she now applies to everyday life.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony where the overall skills test winner and others were recognized:
The list of participants in Caterpillar's first Women in Construction Celebration and their supporting Cat dealer is below:
For more information, visit www.cat.com/WomenInConstruction.