How Women Are Shaping The Future of Trades

Although representation of women in the trades remains low, this is rapidly changing. In the last 5 years, women participating in trade careers has doubled and even tripled in many roles.

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. 

Millions of job shortages are projected in the manufacturing industry, and other trades have a job growth rate much above the national average too. Industry leaders are eager to increase women’s role in the workforce to fill new openings and value their unique perspectives.

With support from several trade organizations, unions, non-profits, and training institutes, there is, now, an opportunity for millions of women to join and reshape the trades landscape. 

Technological innovation in advanced manufacturing has also created opportunities to grab jobs in a new territory that’s lucrative, growing, and in high demand. 

During times of economic instability, studies show that when women’s labor force participation rises, so does the economy and the GDP. A major shift in attitude towards women in trade jobs has also helped erase outdated stereotypes.

Start With the Right Trade for You

Choosing the right trade isn’t only about pay. It’s about finding work that fits your strengths, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Women entering the trades have more options than ever, but knowing where to begin can make a big difference. 

Many trades offer paths that don’t require heavy lifting or extreme physical strain, making them appealing to a wider range of women, especially those new to hands-on work.

Electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, landscapers, and maintenance technicians are among the most promising paths right now, offering good pay, strong job growth, and clear training routes. 

Here’s what makes these roles stand out:

• Welding: Often praised for fit and finish, women welders are noted for attention to detail and steady hands, making weld work appealing and well-regarded in both manufacturing and artistic fields.
  
• HVAC work: Fewer heavy tasks and more diagnostic and theme-based tasks mean that HVAC can be a cleaner, lower-strain trade, with strong year-round demand.
  
• Industrial maintenance: These jobs bridge mechanical and electronic systems — ideal for women who enjoy troubleshooting, technology, and working in controlled environments like factories or data centers. 

Women also find electrician apprenticeships accessible in many regions. Some union systems actively recruit female candidates to help fill urgent shortages, offering structured training, mentorship, and benefits.

A few practical considerations to ask yourself:

• Prefer a role that’s precision-focused? Welding or electrical may suit you.
  
• Want fewer physical demands and working indoors? HVAC and industrial maintenance shine.
  
• Looking for faster entry time or certificate programs? Trades with shorter training paths like plumbing, or options like Unmudl’s Mechatronics Pathway help you start working quickly. 

Wherever you start, remember that trades aren’t one-size-fits-all. The best path is the one that matches your interests — and keeps you motivated to grow.

Support for Women in Trades 

Often discouraged by the common perception of trades jobs, or concerned with their own abilities, many women wait for the “perfect” time to join the industry. 

The truth? The right time is now! Waiting until everything feels perfect can leave you stuck in your current role, whether working or not, for years. Don’t deny yourself the chance for a satisfying career.

You don’t need ideal timing or full experience to begin working in the trades.

• Short-term programs and pre-apprenticeships let you explore without long-term commitment. Women often find flexible training (part-time or online) empowers them to balance learning with other responsibilities. 

• Many complete training in just a few months before moving into paid apprenticeship roles. These provide a wage as you train further. Apprenticeships take away the burden of student debt and help you support yourself. 

Federal grants and local nonprofits sometimes offer no or low cost training tailored to women. The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Grant Program, for example, has supported several community-based organizations.

WANTO  awarded $6 million to 9 organizations in 2024. These organizations use their funding to support services such as childcare, transportation, tuition, and work-related gear — encouraging your entry to apprenticeship programs. 

Other opportunities, like the Smart Energy Technical Training (SETT) Program, help women get placed in skilled construction trades, residential service technician roles, and union construction trades through apprenticeship programs and hands-on workshops.

You’ll also find many local programs which can support you. 

For example, in Missouri, Stephen Colleges’s Women in Trades Construction Pre-Apprenticeship provides classroom and hands-on training, support for earning industry certifications, and connects participants with local employers, union training centers, and industry mentors. 

Focus on momentum, not perfection. Joining even a short training or pre-apprenticeship program can be the launch of a sustainable trade career. 

You don’t need prior education or experience — these programs are excited to have you! 

Working Smart: Rights, Representation, and Real Support

Working in male-dominated fields often means navigating more than just the job itself. Beyond skill and grit, women in the trades benefit from knowing where they stand legally, how to evaluate real opportunities, and what support systems help them stay and thrive.

There are plenty of tools to protect yourself and advance your career. 

• Title VII and Title IX laws prohibit sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination in apprenticeship programs and employment. You can contact the Department of Labor or state labor boards if those rights are violated.
• In addition to prepare students for nontraditional fields, provisions in the 2018 Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act eliminate inequities in access to opportunities for learning and skill development. 
• Being a parent is not an obstacle. In fact, tradeswomen in a survey reported that half of them had children younger than 18, and more than 21.9% have children younger than 6. Over 61.6% of tradeswomen reported good benefits, such as healthace, as a “very important” reason for entering a trades job.
• Leverage women-focused pre-apprenticeship programs. These significantly boost retention and advancement. Those who completed women-focused pre-apprenticeships often cite them as “very important” to career success.
• Networks of tradeswomen such as Tradeswomen Inc, Tradeswomen Build Nations, or the Tradeswomen Taskforce work together to help, support, and encourage other tradeswomen.

Keep training agreements and notes on any incidents, connect with experienced tradeswomen when possible, and seek out employers who’ve demonstrated a commitment to equity, safety, and career growth.