Women in the Trades: How to Start a Skilled Trades Career

If you’re a woman exploring career options, consider adding the skilled trades to your list of options! Jobs in the trades, like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work, for example, offer something that many traditional career paths don’t: stability, high earning potential, and the ability to build something meaningful every single day.

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking for a career change, we’ve created this guide to help you take the first step toward the trades with confidence.

Supporting Industry Change: Women Belong in the Trades

The skilled trades need more people. And more than that, they need diverse people. Women bring problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and fresh perspectives to the field. Despite this, they represent less than 10% of the trades workforce. That’s changing—and you can be part of that change.

At Explore The Trades, we are committed to empowering more women to discover the trades as smart, future-ready career choices. We believe that building a successful and fulfilling life should be an option for everyone, regardless of gender.

Benefits of Trades Jobs: Real Careers. Real Opportunities

There are a plethora of benefits to working in the trades. Here are just a few that we commonly hear from folks out on the field:

High Demand: Plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians are in high demand across the country. These careers aren’t going anywhere.
Strong Earnings: Many skilled trades professionals earn more than the average college graduate (and without student debt).
Tangible Impact: You’ll see the results of your work, whether it’s heating someone’s home or solving a plumbing emergency.
Pathways for Growth: Apprenticeships, certifications, and even business ownership are all possibilities.

Tips For Women Looking to Start Their Career in the Trades

If you’re thinking about joining the trades, here are a few ways to get started:

1. Research Your Options

Start by exploring different careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Take the Explore The Trades quiz to see which path might be the best fit for your strengths and interests.

2. Find Support & Community

Look to organizations that are lifting women up in the trades. Two fantastic options are:

Women in HVACR (WHVACR): A supportive network that promotes education, mentoring, and advancement for women in the HVAC industry.
Women in Plumbing and Piping (WiPP): An organization dedicated to building community and opportunity for women in plumbing and piping careers.

3. Look Into Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is your pathway to earn while you learn. Many programs offer paid on-the-job training that leads to professional certification and a lifelong career. Use the Apprenticeship Map on our site to find programs near you.

4. Talk to a Mentor or Educator

Whether it’s a trades instructor at your school or a local journeyman you admire, talking to someone who’s been there can provide valuable insight and encouragement.

Explore The Trades is Here for Support: You’ve Got This!

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to dive into training, remember that you’re not alone. Explore The Trades is here to support you every step of the way! Check out our blog for more helpful information or reach out to our team if you have any questions!