The skilled trades industry is undergoing a transformation, with more women in the trades breaking barriers and proving their value in traditionally male-dominated fields. From electrical work and plumbing to HVAC and smart-home technology, women in skilled trades are not only filling critical labor shortages but also bringing fresh perspectives and technical expertise to the industry. However, despite the increasing demand for skilled workers, gender bias, pay equity issues, and workplace culture challenges continue to be obstacles for many women entering the field.
Fortunately, organizations such as Oregon Tradeswomen, Tools and Tiaras, and Central Ohio Women in the Trades (CWIT) are championing initiatives that promote mentorship, leadership growth, and equitable work environments for women pursuing careers in the trades. Programs like the Smart Energy Technical Training (SETT) Program are also creating new pathways for women to enter skilled construction trades, residential service technician roles, and union construction trades through apprenticeship programs and hands-on workshops. If you're considering a career in the trades, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the apprenticeship-readiness programs, structured on-the-job learning experiences, and workforce development programs available to help women thrive in skilled trade industries.
The presence of women in skilled trades has steadily increased, yet they still represent a small fraction of the total workforce in construction, plumbing, and electrical careers. Despite this, initiatives aimed at retention of women, policy and advocacy for equitable work environments, and professional development activities are helping pave the way for more female representation in the industry.
The skilled trades industry is facing a shortage of workers as a significant number of experienced professionals are retiring. This shift is creating a growing demand for new talent across various fields such as welding, electrical work, and HVAC. As companies struggle to fill these roles, women have a unique opportunity to step into these high-demand positions, where their skills are urgently needed.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of women apprentices has more than doubled between 2014 and 2022, now making up nearly 14% of active apprenticeships. This rising trend highlights the increasing role of women in traditionally male-dominated trades and underscores the expanding opportunities available to women in these industries.
Women bring a unique perspective and skill set to the skilled construction trades, including problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and adaptability in physically demanding roles. Their contributions are particularly valuable in emerging fields such as green energy, smart-home technology, and HVAC.
Organizations like Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) and Tradeswomen, Inc. are working to increase women's participation in the field through mentoring groups, professional development activities, and networking opportunities. These initiatives aim to support system development, promote pay equity, and create welcoming workplaces for women in traditionally male-dominated environments.
Despite these advancements, women in skilled trades continue to face challenges, including:
As more women enter the skilled trades, access to high-quality training programs is essential for success. The Smart Energy Technical Training (SETT) Program provides women with the hands-on skills, industry knowledge, and mentorship needed to thrive in careers like electrical work, HVAC, and smart-home technology. This program is designed to break barriers, offering paid on-the-job training, job placement support, and leadership growth opportunities in the energy sector.
The Smart Energy Technical Training (SETT) Program is an initiative designed to train and prepare women for careers in the energy sector. This program provides education in renewable energy, electrical trades, HVAC, and smart-home technology, ensuring that women in the trades have the knowledge and skills to succeed in the industry.
SETT offers a structured, hands-on learning environment that includes:
By focusing on mentoring and professional development, SETT helps women navigate the skilled trades industry. Apprenticeship programs, workforce partner programs, and job placement assistance ensure that graduates can secure fulfilling, high-paying positions in their chosen field. The program also connects participants with union construction trades, skilled craft jobs, and structured on-the-job learning experiences, helping them gain real-world expertise. Additionally, SETT fosters leadership and career growth by providing networking opportunities and guidance for women looking to advance into roles such as service managers, business owners, or technical trainers.
A career in skilled trades offers numerous benefits, including high wages, job security, and opportunities for leadership growth. Additionally, the field offers a variety of technical abilities that are in demand, from HVAC and plumbing to electrical work and smart-home technology. The wide range of non-traditional fields in trades allows women to find a career path that aligns with their interests and talents.
The skilled trades industry is undergoing a transformation, with the increasing number of retiring workers creating a significant gap in the workforce. This has led to an urgent need for talented individuals, particularly in specialized areas like welding, electrical work, and HVAC. With this increased demand, women now have access to a broader array of career opportunities, offering both high wages and job stability in a growing field.
A career in the trades offers several advantages, including:
With organizations like Oregon Tradeswomen, Central Ohio Women in the Trades, and Tools and Tiaras advocating for more women in the trades, the gender gap is slowly closing. These organizations offer mentorship, policy and advocacy, and workplace training to ensure that women feel empowered and supported in their careers. By providing hands-on workshops, apprenticeship career classes, and workforce development programs, they create more accessible pathways for women to enter the skilled trades. Furthermore, efforts to improve pay equity, eliminate gender bias, and establish equitable work environments are helping to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming for women.
Entering the skilled trades industry is more accessible than ever, thanks to apprenticeship programs, trade school programs for women, and workforce development initiatives. Whether you're looking to gain technical training, hands-on experience, or mentorship, there are numerous resources available to help you succeed. By joining programs like the Smart Energy Technical Training (SETT) Program and connecting with organizations that support women in trades, you can take the first step toward a rewarding and high-paying career.
At OIC Philadelphia, we are dedicated to providing equitable career opportunities and empowering individuals, particularly women, to succeed in skilled trades and other in-demand fields. Since the launch of our program in 2017, we've proudly supported 22 women as they advanced in their careers through hands-on training, mentorship, and career development. Our workforce development programs are designed to equip participants with the skills, technical training, and job placement support necessary to thrive in high-paying, sustainable trades careers. With a focus on creating welcoming workplaces and addressing pay equity and gender bias, OIC Philadelphia is committed to fostering an environment where women can achieve leadership and professional growth in industries like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. For those interested in joining this transformative opportunity, we encourage inquiry about our SETT program, where women can gain the support and training needed to excel in the trades.
Women interested in pursuing a trade career can apply to the SETT Program, which provides technical training, apprenticeship programs, and professional development activities. This program is designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in high-demand fields such as electrical work, HVAC, and smart-home technology. By offering structured on-the-job learning experiences and paid on-the-job training, SETT helps women gain hands-on experience while preparing them for long-term career growth.
Employers and unions play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable skilled trades industry. They can support women by offering mentoring opportunities and professional development activities that help build confidence and leadership skills. Additionally, advocating for policy and advocacy initiatives that address gender bias, pay equity, and workplace inclusivity ensures that women in skilled trades have equal opportunities for success. Creating welcoming workplaces that encourage leadership growth and support the retention of women is essential for closing the gender gap and building a diverse workforce in the trades industry.
Women in the trades are breaking barriers and proving that skilled trade careers offer high wages, job stability, and leadership growth. With the support of apprenticeship programs, mentorship opportunities, and workforce development initiatives, more women can confidently enter and thrive in this rewarding field. By continuing to advocate for pay equity, gender inclusivity, and welcoming workplaces, we can create a more diverse and equitable skilled trades industry. Now is the time for women to seize the opportunities available and build successful careers in the trades.
Being in the trades means having a skilled profession that offers high wages, job stability, and leadership opportunities.
Popular skilled trades for women include HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and smart-home technology.
Trade women are professionals in skilled construction trades, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical careers, making an impact in a non-traditional field through mentorship, technical expertise, and leadership development.
