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Skilled trades are often overlooked as a career option for a woman because of the existing stigma. The reality is, companies value the diversity and are begging for more women to join. The new COVID DIY homeprojects are exposing more and more people to how much fun and rewarding hands-on skilled trades can be for all genders! Plenty of people make good money in skilled trades expanding on their hobbies and looking for career options beyond traditional office jobs. In fact, these jobs offer some pretty amazing benefits:
Women are needed badly in all skilled trades.
It’s not just men who can make good money in skilled trades. Women are also a huge part of the workforce, and they deserve to be treated with respect. That’s why we wanted to highlight some of the best skilled trades for women—not only because they pay well but also because they provide the opportunity for creative problem solving and high levels of personal satisfaction on an individual level. Whether you enjoy working with your hands or just want some independence from corporate America’s daily grind, these jobs might be perfect for you! We have talked to many unions and companies and they all are begging for more women in their trades! As a woman trying to get into the skilled trades, your resume can really stand out to help companies balance their workforce and add diversity.
Are there any skilled trades women can’t do?
No! While there are certainly skilled trade careers that are more physically demanding, there are still women represented (in some capacity) in every skilled trade in the world. What’s important is not your gender, it’s finding a career that you are excited about, will enjoy doing, and find rewarding at the end of the day!
What fields are trying to recruit more women?
Construction Trades in particular are really putting a lot of emphasis on recruiting more females into their professions, primarily based on historical imbalances in their male to female ratio. However, no reputable program should ever turn you away on the basis of gender (or on the basis of any protected characteristic for that matter). As long as you are choosing something you are excited about learning and doing every day, you can’t go wrong!
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) is a great field for women because it’s growing and requires a lot of problem-solving skills. HVAC is also a great field if you like to work with your hands and fix things. Many jobs in this field involve installing heating systems, air conditioners and ventilation systems.
As an HVAC technician you will need math skills to figure out how much power your system needs or how much insulation should be used around pipes in a house. You will also need good problem solving skills when it comes to figuring out what’s wrong with the system and how best to fix it
Electrician
If you're interested in becoming an electrician, it can be a great career choice for women. The industry is growing and there are many opportunities available for those looking to break into the field.
Electricians work with electrical circuits, devices, and equipment to install, maintain and repair electrical power systems. Electrical workers install or repair lighting fixtures such as fluorescent light tubes; wall outlets; thermostats; circuit breakers; junction boxes; conduit tubing that carries wires through walls or ceilings (including fiber optic cables); traffic lights/signal lights /traffic signal control boxes/traffic signal controllers/ streetlight structures - foundations /support posts/armatures/mountings /ballasts/(electrical) wiring harnesses in buildings or vehicles according to blueprints or schematics by using handtools (e.g., screwdrivers), power tools (e.g., drills), hoists machine shop equipment to fabricate parts needed during installation process based on blue prints using computer aided design software (CAD).
Plumber
Plumbers are in high demand because of the aging population, the growing population and the increasing number of houses being built. The need for plumbers is expected to grow by 26% over the next decade.
If you love working with your hands and solving problems, then a career as a plumber might be right up your alley! Plumbers have to be able to work with their hands, think outside of the box when it comes to problem solving, have excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and they must be able to work on their own while also partaking in team projects from time-to-time.
Welder
If you are considering a career as a welder, keep in mind that the average salary is $37,540 and the job outlook is expected to grow by 6% through 2026. Welders use their knowledge of metal to join or cut pieces together, according to CareerBuilder. They also create products that require welding skills, such as bridges and ships.
To become a welder and land some good-paying jobs in this industry, you must have:
- Basic math skills
- Knowledge of how to read blueprints or plans for objects being constructed (instructions)
- Good hearing capabilities so you can hear instructions from your supervisor or coworkers
Carpentry
Carpentry is one of the most versatile trades, and it's a great fit for women who enjoy working with their hands. Carpenters can be self-employed and have the flexibility to work from home or part time, making them an attractive option for those who want to be their own boss.
Carpenters are also needed in every city; there will always be projects that need skilled hands and attention to detail, so this job is safe from automation or outsourcing anytime soon! Finally, carpentry pays well—the average carpenter earns over $50 per hour before tax deductions
Construction Manager
Construction managers are responsible for overseeing the development of buildings and infrastructure. They are in charge of scheduling, budgeting and supervising tasks on site.
Construction managers can find jobs with a variety of employers such as general contractors, subcontractors or building materials suppliers. Construction managers must have an extensive knowledge of construction principles, practices and procedures to effectively manage their projects from start to finish.
Education requirements vary by state but generally include an associate’s degree in construction management or civil engineering and at least three years of experience in the field prior to becoming licensed by taking exams offered through organizations like The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
You can be creative and make good money in skilled trades. You don't have to go to college.
- You can make good money. If you're looking for a way to provide for yourself and your family, the skilled trades are a great option.
- You don't have to go to college. Since many people think that "college is the only way," it's important to highlight that this isn't true. The skilled trades are an alternative path that can lead you down a fulfilling career path as well as provide you with financial security.
- You're creative, not just smart: Contrary to popular belief, women aren't better at math or science than men; they simply don't get enough exposure or encouragement when they're young.[1] In fact, that boys' interest in STEM subjects peaks at age nine while girls' interest tends to peak later—around ages 12-13.[2] This is why initiatives like Girls Who Code and Black Girls Code exist — so more girls will become interested in STEM disciplines (and equally interested in other areas).
How do I get started as a woman looking to begin a career in skilled trades?
You can browse all of the opportunities to learn and start a skilled trades career on Classet. If you are curious or unsure about how many women might either be participating in or graduates of a particular program, you can also ask in the Classet Community Forum so that can get the information right from the source!
