The Hurdles Women Face in Skilled Trades

We’ve come a long way in breaking down gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields such as engineering, law, politics, and business. However, the skilled trades, which include carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical work, and automotive repair, remain largely male-dominated. Women who want to break into these fields face significant hurdles. The path for women is longer and steeper, and they don’t always get the support they need to succeed. But the good news is that women are breaking down barriers and succeeding in skilled trades, and that’s something to cheer about.

Let’s face it; the skilled trades industry has always been entrenched in a culture that’s largely unwelcoming to women. Some trades have been slow to accept the fact that women are every bit as capable and competent as men in these fields. Women who choose to pursue skilled trades have to go above and beyond to prove themselves and earn the respect of their peers. Often, they have to endure harassment, discrimination, and lack of support from their employers, colleagues, and customers. However, there are supportive employers who go out of their way to mentor, guide, and encourage females to get in the trades (like my Sippin’ Saturday livestream guest, Jamie McMillan)

Another issue that women in skilled trades often face is the lack of opportunities for training and career advancement. In many cases, women have to put up with not being taken seriously, bias, and the fact that they are not given the same opportunities to learn, upgrade their skills and advance in their careers as their male counterparts. This lack of recognition makes it challenging for women to succeed, let alone excel in the field. However, some organizations are fighting the good fight by providing the necessary training and opportunities for women. The education system needs to do more to break down the barriers, encourage girls and women to pursue the trades, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

Moreover, one of the critical challenges that women in skilled trades face is safety. Women are often subjected to an unsafe work environment, including working in poorly lit areas, at height, and in cramped spaces. This issue is particularly challenging for women who are working in male-dominated trades where they may not get the support they need for a safe workplace. The trades industry needs to do more to ensure that women workers are supported, given the right equipment and resources, and provided with the necessary protections so they can work in comfortable and safe environments.

Last but not least, women in skilled trades often have to contend with stereotypes and bias. Some people have a hard time accepting that a woman would choose to work in a “man’s field,” and they may not give her the same respect that they would give a male tradesperson. Women may also find that they have a hard time finding role models or mentors in the field, making it more challenging to excel. However, organizations and communities need to celebrate the successes of women in skilled trades, offer support and provide mentorship where possible.

Despite the challenges that women face in the trades, there is hope for the future. As more women break down the barriers in the skilled trades and prove themselves, they will open up new opportunities for the next generation of young women who aspire to follow in their footsteps. We need more women tradies to help meet the demand for a skilled workforce, and we need to ensure that they get the same opportunities, training, and support as their male colleagues. As challenging as it might seem, women who make it in the trades are breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes and biases. They are making a difference and changing the industry one job at a time.