Sian Victoria © - Woman fixing kitchen cabinet

Skilled trades aren't just for men anymore. In 2021, the number of women participating reached an all-time high of 314,000, increasing by almost a third over the past five years. Even so, with women making up just 4% of the workforce, there's potential for growth.

To succeed in fields like plumbing or automotive technology, you need more than just skills; you also need a solid strategy and good support.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Skilled Trades

Getting into skilled trades can be tricky, especially when challenges make it harder for women to take that first step. Strategies must be implemented to tackle these barriers, whether from financial issues or systemic biases.

It can be difficult for women to enter trade jobs because of the high costs of trade programs, tools, and transportation. Thanks to programs that offer financial help and apprenticeships, however, there are choices.

Apprenticeships differ from regular schooling because they allow students to make money while getting real-world experience at work. This helps with money worries and gives you helpful knowledge that employers like.

Systemic bias is still a major hurdle we need to overcome. Numerous women share experiences of being told they don’t fit in trades or feeling like they’re treated differently due to their gender.

We must create workplace cultures that genuinely appreciate inclusivity to change this story. Supportive environments - where mentorship, solid anti-discrimination policies, and peer support networks are present - can positively impact retention and morale.

How to Build a Strong Foundation Through Education and Training

To be successful in skilled trades, you need to start with a strong foundation, and education is a big part of that. A trade school for women and apprenticeships allow women to learn technical skills and get real-world experience simultaneously.

Programs like scholarships and mentorship initiatives just for women help with problems like needing more money and being unable to connect with people in the same business. These customised avenues make it easier and more possible to get into trades.

Continuous learning is just as important. Tradeswomen can stay competitive as industries change by getting certifications, advanced training, and specialising. By continuing their education, women can get better jobs that pay more and provide leadership roles.

Essential Skills Every Tradeswoman Should Have

You must be good at the basic skills in skilled jobs to do well. Here are four essential things that every tradeswoman should keep in mind:

Technical Mastery

To be successful in skilled trades, you must have a thorough understanding of the technology involved. Knowing how to use tools and methods properly is essential when welding, plumbing, or fixing HVAC systems.

You can get the skills and information you need to do well through certifications and hands-on training programs. Working on real projects also helps women feel more confident and stand out in a crowded field.

Problem-solving and Adaptability

It's important to think quickly and solve problems, especially when time is tight. If wiring problems appear out of the blue, an electrician may have to make changes to a project right then and there. Women who are good at fixing problems can deal with everyday issues and show they can handle things even when they don't go as planned.

Communication and Collaboration

When you're in a skilled trade, you often work with others, such as showing clients how things work or setting up a job site with workers. Clear communication keeps everyone safe, makes things run smoothly, and ensures everyone understands the goals.

When women confidently talk about their skills, they gain trust and authority at work, especially in places where men are more common.

Collaboration also allows women to make connections that could lead to a mentor or future job advancement.

Safety Awareness at Work

Safety is paramount in skilled jobs. Knowing the safety rules when using machines and working with dangerous products is essential.

When women prioritise safety, they protect themselves and set a good example for their teams. Workplace safety training, often part of trade programs, ensures that people are ready for even the most demanding roles.

How to Deal with Problems at Work

Balancing Work and Personal Life

Women working in trades often have difficulty balancing their personal and professional lives. They often have to take care of their homes and find it especially hard to keep up with their busy schedules when working in trades.

Flexible roles of employers offering adaptable schedules are critical for tackling this. Organisations that provide family-supportive policies, like flexible hours or leave for caregiving, help women stay engaged without sacrificing personal responsibilities.

For individual tradeswomen, planning and setting boundaries can go a long way. Finding a balance between work and life demands planning and proactive dialogue with employers. This includes arranging work hours to coincide with daycare or using community services to help.

Confronting Workplace Bias

Bias and discrimination remain a hurdle for women in male-dominated fields. Studies reveal that 63% of tradeswomen report being told they don’t belong, and 76% feel they’re treated differently because of their gender. These experiences can erode confidence and morale.

The solution isn’t just top-down policies - it’s about creating inclusive environments where women feel respected and valued.

Advocacy groups, anti-discrimination training, and mentorship programs can all help change the mindset of the workplace. For women on the ground, making friends with helpful co-workers and looking for allies in top positions can add another layer of support and safety.

Career Services and Networking Opportunities

More than skills are needed to get ahead in the skilled trades. You should also be able to find work. Some programs help women get jobs at companies that value diversity and inclusion by giving them career services like making CVs, preparing for interviews, and finding employment. These services will benefit a skilled woman who wants to change jobs or become more specialised.

It's essential to make relationships for long-term success. Trade groups and peer mentoring programs allow women to share their stories and work on projects together. These networks help people deal with their feelings and open up new job possibilities, partnerships, and chances to grow professionally.

To conclude

Women are changing skilled trades, breaking down barriers, and changing fields that men once controlled. They deal with problems and show their worth by educating themselves, getting mentored, and networking with people who can help them.

As women take on essential jobs and offer new ideas, they build careers, change industries, and make the future more open to everyone. There are opportunities out there; it's time to take them.

Follow & Support