AUGUSTA – Women Unlimited, a nonprofit group, is encouraging participation in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day on Thursday, April 24.

Women Unlimited is working with Maine construction companies to celebrate the state’s success in employing the highest percent of women construction workers in the U.S., according to a spokeswoman. More than 10 percent of Maine’s construction workforce is made up of women, while the rest of the country hovers at around 2 percent.

Maine construction companies such as Zachau Construction in Freeport, Granger Northern in Portland, Cianbro Corp. in Pittsfield, Pike Industries in Lewiston, H.C. Crooker & Sons in Topsham and Bancroft Contracting in South Paris are encouraging their employees to bring their sons and daughters to work, including on the job site. The goal is to show the children the benefits of a construction career, regardless of gender. For more information, people can visit www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/visit

Founded in 1988 by Dale McCormick, Women Unlimited promotes, places, and trains low-income families, made up primarily of women and young children, in trade and technical jobs and apprenticeships throughout the state. For additional information, people can visit www.womenunlimited.org