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.
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.
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:
If you’re thinking about joining the trades, here are a few ways to get started:
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.
Look to organizations that are lifting women up in the trades. Two fantastic options are:
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.
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.
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!