Women in Trades: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures

The world of trades has long been dominated by men, but a significant shift is underway. Women in trades are making their mark, breaking barriers, and reshaping industries traditionally seen as male bastions. From HVAC technicians to CDL drivers, women are proving their mettle in diverse fields, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to the workforce.

This article explores the current landscape for women in trades, examining the challenges they face and the opportunities that await them. It delves into success stories of trailblazing women who have carved out rewarding careers in various trades. The piece also looks at efforts to build a more inclusive future in these industries, addressing issues such as work-life balance and career growth. By shedding light on these topics, we aim to inspire more women to consider the exciting and fulfilling career opportunities available in trades.

The Current State of Women in Trades

Statistics and Trends

The landscape of skilled trades is experiencing a significant shift as more women enter these traditionally male-dominated fields. In 2021, the number of women working in trades occupations reached an all-time high of over 314,000, marking a nearly one-third increase over the past five years ¹. This growth is further evidenced by the U.S. Department of Labor’s report, which reveals that the number of apprenticeships held by women has more than doubled from 2014 to 2022, now comprising nearly 14% of active apprenticeships ².

Despite this progress, women remain underrepresented in certain sectors. In the construction industry, for instance, women accounted for only 10.9% of all workers in 2022 ³. The disparity is even more pronounced in specific roles, with women making up just 4.2% of construction and extractive workers ⁴. However, it’s worth noting that the construction industry has one of the smallest gender pay gaps, with women earning about 95% of what men earn, compared to an average 81% gap in other sectors ⁵.

Reasons for Increasing Participation

Several factors contribute to the growing participation of women in trades:

1. Economic Opportunities: Skilled trades often offer good pay and benefits without requiring a four-year college degree. This can be particularly appealing as it allows women to avoid substantial student debt while entering high-demand fields ¹².

1. Changing Perceptions: The stigma surrounding women in trades is diminishing, paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic industrial workforce ¹³.

1. Industry Demand: With a reported shortage of 650,000 skilled tradespeople in the U.S., companies are actively recruiting women to fill these vacancies ¹⁴.

1. Career Flexibility: Many trades offer flexible work arrangements, which can be particularly attractive to working mothers .

1. Empowerment: Entering traditionally male-dominated industries can be empowering for women, fostering a sense of accomplishment by challenging gender stereotypes ¹⁵.

Despite these positive trends, challenges remain. Women, particularly women of color, still face discrimination in hiring and employment, as well as issues with retention and promotion ¹⁶. Addressing these concerns will be crucial in continuing to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the trades.

Challenges Faced by Women in Male-Dominated Industries

Gender stereotypes and bias

Women in trades face numerous challenges stemming from deeply ingrained societal attitudes about gender roles. These stereotypes often lead to the perception that trade work requires extreme physical strength and is unsuitable for women. As a result, young women are seldom exposed to trade careers in schools or at home, limiting their awareness of these potentially fulfilling and well-paid options ¹.

The impact of these stereotypes extends to the hiring process. Women applying for trade jobs and apprenticeships tend to downplay their accomplishments and past work experiences compared to male applicants, inadvertently giving interviewers the impression that they are less qualified ². Furthermore, women often feel pressured to perform exceptionally well to “prove themselves” in these male-dominated environments. Research has shown that people tend to rate the same performance as better when told it was done by a man, creating an additional hurdle for women in trades ³.

Workplace harassment

Despite some improvements over the past few decades, harassment remains a significant issue for women in male-dominated industries. Both experienced and newer workers report a range of harassing behaviors, including men displaying nude photos of women in break rooms, telling obscene jokes, and physically groping female colleagues ⁴. A study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that nearly half of women in male-dominated trades experience some form of discrimination ⁵.

The male-dominated culture in these industries often fosters an environment defined by traditional male values of competition, toughness, and teasing. This can lead to higher rates of bullying and harassment, with bonding activities sometimes including sexually explicit or sexist comments ⁶. Such a hostile workplace can add a layer of stress and distraction to jobs that already involve dangerous and hazardous conditions ⁷.

Lack of proper equipment and facilities

Women in trades often struggle with inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools designed for male physiques. Many job sites do not provide PPE that fits women properly, including safety harnesses, coveralls, boots, and safety glasses. This ill-fitting equipment can put women at direct risk of injury and impact their ability to complete tasks safely ⁸.

One journey-level laborer highlighted the danger of standard-size harnesses for women: “The harnesses—safety harness for tying off…they’re not made for women. You would have to buy a specific one for female’s bodies. They don’t fit you right. If you were to fall off a building with a standard harness on, it would do more damage than good” ⁹.

Additionally, the lack of proper facilities poses a significant challenge. Many women report dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of jobsite porta-potties and the scarcity of women-only bathrooms. Some even resort to avoiding bathroom use altogether, as one journey-level electrician stated: “I just don’t use the bathroom. I mean, I only work like 5 min from my house so it’s like I will hold it all day long. I hate it—I cannot stand Honey Buckets” ¹⁰. This basic need for clean, private, and accessible bathrooms remains unmet for many women working in the trades ¹¹.

Breaking Barriers: Success Stories and Role Models

Profiles of Trailblazing Women

Women in trades are making significant strides, breaking barriers, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. One such example is Raelynn Hawco from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, who has worked as a power line technician across Canada. Her success story serves as an inspiration for women worldwide, demonstrating that they can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields ¹.

Another trailblazer is Vicki O’Leary, who won the 2019 ENR Award of Excellence. O’Leary played a crucial role in drafting and implementing The Ironworkers Union’s first-of-its-kind maternity program. She also helped roll out a new anti-bullying and harassment program, addressing key issues faced by women in the industry ².

These success stories highlight the resilience and determination of women in construction. Despite facing challenges such as societal expectations, workplace discrimination, and physical demands, these trailblazers have proven that skill, talent, and leadership know no gender ³.

Organizations Supporting Women in Trades

Numerous organizations have emerged to support and empower women in trades. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) offers networking events, leadership development programs, and educational resources to help women advance their careers in the construction industry ⁴.

Women in HVACR is another organization that supports women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. They provide networking events, mentorship opportunities, and educational resources to help women thrive in this field ⁵.

The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen Issues, a coalition of tradeswomen organizations and industry partners, strives to achieve access, opportunity, and equity for women in blue-collar careers. This taskforce includes organizations such as Chicago Women in Trades, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW), and Sisters in the Building Trades ⁶.

Mentorship Programs

Mentorship programs have proven to be invaluable in shaping careers and challenging societal norms in the trades industry. These programs not only facilitate career development but also encourage personal growth, building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills in women entering the field ⁷.

One notable initiative is the Lean In Circles for Union Tradeswomen, created in partnership with North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), AFL-CIO, and Build Together. This program brings tradeswomen together in small online groups to connect, share advice, and build community. Participants gain practical skills for navigating bias at work and advocating for themselves and other women in the trades ⁸.

Another example is the Women in Plumbing program, a collaborative effort between Master Plumbers and Plumbing Apprenticeships Victoria (PAV). This initiative is designed to support and empower women at every stage of their plumbing journey, offering paid pre-apprenticeships and direct entry into accredited apprenticeship programs ⁹.

These mentorship programs serve as effective mechanisms to encourage more women to enter the trades industry, promoting gender equality. To enhance their efficacy, strategies such as offering scholarships, creating awareness campaigns to debunk stereotypes, and hosting networking events for women in trades are being implemented ¹⁰.

Building a More Inclusive Future in Trades

Education and outreach initiatives

The construction industry recognizes the importance of encouraging young women to enter the trades. Initiatives like the WSWHE BOCES Women In Trades program focus on narrowing the skills gap and promoting traditionally male-dominated fields such as automotive technology, construction trades, and welding ¹. These programs offer hands-on activities that educate female students about earning potential, career opportunities, and available educational resources ¹.

To increase visibility and attract more women to the construction industry, organizations are actively recruiting and promoting it as a viable career option. This includes outreach programs to schools, partnerships with local organizations serving women and minorities, and promotion through social media and other channels ⁵. Some companies, like Hill Electric, are reaching out to high schools, career centers, technical colleges, and universities to encourage students, particularly women, to pursue careers in electrical engineering ⁵.

Policy changes and legislation

Recent policy changes and legislation have been introduced to support women in trades. The infrastructure law includes funding to increase access to pre-apprenticeship programs for women ³. Additionally, federal funding for Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grants is available to community-based organizations to help recruit, train, and retain women in pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs ³.

Some trade unions have adopted comprehensive pregnancy and maternity leave policies. For example, the Iron Workers Union and the Ironworker Management Progressive Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) introduced a policy that provides six weeks of paid maternity leave (eight weeks for cesarean births) and up to six months of paid leave at two-thirds of usual earnings for pregnant members ⁸.

Industry efforts to attract and retain women

The construction industry is making efforts to create a more inclusive environment for women. Companies are focusing on promoting gender equity, offering fair and equal opportunities for professional development, and creating positive work environments for all employees regardless of gender ². Mentorship programs and professional development opportunities are being implemented to help women advance in their careers and equip them with tools to teach their peers ².

Work-life balance is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining women in the workforce. Employers are offering flexible schedules, remote work options, and family-friendly policies to help women balance work and family responsibilities ⁴. Some companies are also providing comprehensive family-building benefits, including fertility benefits, adoption, egg harvesting, and surrogacy coverage ⁶.

Networking opportunities and supporting the appointment of women to leadership roles are also being prioritized. Programs like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America’s Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB) committee and Lean In Circles for Union Tradeswomen offer peer mentorship, training, and networking opportunities ¹⁰ ¹¹.

These initiatives have shown positive results. For instance, the WSWHE BOCES Women In Trades Initiative has seen the enrollment of female students in male-dominated trades more than double, growing from about 21 female students in 2020 to 55 currently ⁷. While progress has been made, women still account for only 4% of all workers in construction occupations, highlighting the ongoing need for recruitment and retention efforts ².

Conclusion

The journey of women in trades has come a long way, but there’s still much ground to cover. The increasing number of women entering these fields has an impact on the industry, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills. Efforts to attract and keep women in trades, through education, policy changes, and industry initiatives, are starting to bear fruit. This shift is not just about gender equality; it’s about tapping into a wider talent pool to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.

Looking ahead, the future of women in trades looks promising. As more success stories emerge and role models pave the way, young women are likely to see these careers as viable and rewarding options. To keep this momentum going, it’s crucial to address ongoing challenges like workplace harassment and the lack of proper equipment. By creating more inclusive environments and offering strong support systems, the trades industry can unlock the full potential of its workforce, regardless of gender.

Are you a women looking for a rewarding career in the trades? Check out Northeast Technical Institute with locations all across Maine.

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