Women In The Trades
Women Trade Workers are on the Rise. Here’s Why:
The skilled trades of plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical (PHCE) keep our country running and are essential in keeping our communities safe and healthy.
While the trades have been a male-dominated field historically, more and more women are joining the industry. With the projected job growth and financial freedom provided, the trades are an engaging and satisfying career path!
If you’re interested in pursuing a trades career but you’re not sure which path is right for you, take our quiz! Want to learn about licensing in your area? Click the link below for state-specific info.
Trades Advocacy Organizations
If you’re a woman interested in starting your trades career, you are not alone! There are many organizations that are dedicated to bringing more women to careers in plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and more. To learn more about the trades from a woman’s perspective, discover mentoring opportunities, and see what a day in the life of a tradeswoman is like, check out the organizations below:
WOMEN IN HVACR
The first international group of its kind, Women in HVACR supports women in a traditionally male-dominated field through mentorship, education, and career resources.
WOMEN IN HVACR CANADA
Women in HVACR Canada supports the inclusion and advancement of women in the HVACR industry through networking, mentorship, education, and professional development. Their goal is to help women build lasting, successful careers in this essential and growing field.
Learn More
WOMEN IN PLUMBING & PIPING
Women in Plumbing & Piping is dedicated to empowering women across all levels of the plumbing industry, from the jobsite to leadership. Through connection and support, the organization helps women thrive while advancing excellence and addressing workforce needs in the trade.
TOOLS AND TIARAS
Tools & Tiaras introduces young girls to the skilled trades through hands-on programs, mentorship, and role models. By partnering with schools, businesses, and industry leaders, they create opportunities for girls to explore non-traditional careers and build a strong community of women passionate about the trades.
Why Should You Consider a Career in The Trades?
The real question is why not? Working for a plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical service company provides many career opportunities and has great benefits.
As a technician, a typical day will include:
Service technicians travel to different homes and meet new clients each day. You’ll be like an everyday superhero—taking care of your community, fixing plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical problems and keeping homeowners safe and healthy in their homes.
As a technician, you’ll be working at different locations each day and find a sense of accomplishment in seeing your skills put in action to find solutions for your customers.
From the start, people are earning while they’re learning. Apprenticeships provide thorough and extensive on-the-job training and education. That means young people are earning a wage while learning technical, highly sought-after skills and on their way to six-figure salaries, not six-figure student loan debt.
Your work truck is your own space. It’s a mobile office and warehouse all in one. Keeping it clean, fully stocked and organized will not only make your job easier, but will provide you with a sense of pride.
New technologies in the trades are always advancing. As a technician, you’ll not only provide customers with devices that save on utility expenses, but are also energy-efficient and help protect the environment.
Looking for a career that provides for leadership growth and development? Look no further! The trades provide opportunities that allow you to master your technical abilities in the field and continue your path as a service manager, general manager, or even as a business owner.
BE A SUPPORTER OF WOMEN IN THE TRADES
Industry partners play a vital role in helping Explore The Trades close the talent gap in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers. Support from leading companies and service providers drives our mission and fuels the future of the skilled trades.
Gaining Trade Skills for Women: Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a proven way to build a career in the trades, combining job-specific classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience. For women entering plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work, apprenticeships offer valuable training, industry insight, and a clear path to success.
In most states, becoming a skilled PHCE technician requires formal education through a trade or technical college. Some students complete their apprenticeship while in school, while others begin after earning a license (depending on local requirements).
Watch our video to learn more about apprenticeships.
What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a time-tested employee training system that combines job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning experiences.
The benefits of going through an apprenticeship are many! Apprentices gain skills and in-depth industry knowledge through paid on-the-job training that puts them ahead of the crowd in their pursuit to a great career.
Most states require aspiring skilled PHCE technicians complete formal education through a trade or technical college. In some instances, students may complete their apprenticeship during school as part of their training. Other times, a license may be obtained in school, then followed by an apprenticeship.
Watch our video to learn more about apprenticeships.
Learn More About Trades Careers for Women: Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical
Women across the country are building successful futures in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. Explore each trade below to see where your path could begin.
