When you think of people in the skilled trades, such as construction workers, carpenters, electricians, welders and plumbers, you generally think of men. However, things are starting to change, and pursuing a career in the trades is becoming more viable for women.
Women’s labor participation in the skilled trades reached its highest level ever in 2021 (314,000), increasing by almost one-third in five years, according to the United States Department of Labor. The number of female apprentices more than doubled from 2014 to 2022, comprising 14% of total apprentices in the U.S. compared to 9.4% in 2014.
These in-demand jobs offer high wages, attractive benefits, including pension plans, and opportunities for advancement. The construction industry poses one of the labor force’s smallest gender pay gaps, as union representation provides standard salary packages.
Skilled Trades Labor Shortage
The U.S. is facing a talent shortage of skilled tradespeople, which could have serious implications for the economy. As high demand for qualified workers increases, it offers women ample opportunities to obtain stable jobs.
“There are about 650,000 workers missing from the construction industry, and construction backlogs are now at a four-year high,” Maria Davidson, CEO and founder of Kojo, a materials management platform, told CNBC in an interview.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 40% of workers in this sector are over the age of 45. With nearly half of tradespeople approaching retirement age, there needs to be a pipeline of new skilled workers entering the industry.
Data analysis from ZipRecruiter found that the number of applicants for construction jobs online plummeted by about 40% between 2019 and 2020 and has remained stagnant ever since, NPR reported.
Benefits Of Working In The Trades
Tradespeople generally receive solid benefits packages that provide for health insurance, retirement and overtime pay. A career in the skilled trades can be lucrative, as workers have the earning potential of up to six figures or more.
“The construction industry is now paying 80% more than the average non-farm job in the United States,” said Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives at Associated General Contractors of America.
Women in construction earn about 95% of what men get paid compared to an average 81% gender pay gap in all other sectors, according to BLS.
The skilled trades boast a faster educational track that is less expensive compared to a four-year degree, quicker entry into the labor force and the autonomy of being your own boss. For working mothers, a career in the trades offers a more flexible work schedule.
Potential Drawbacks
Some women may be leery about joining the trades, as it is currently dominated by men and oftentimes requires demanding physical labor. There continues to be tropes about construction workers catcalling women, which could leave them hesitant and fearful of sexual harassment or misconduct in a trades work environment.
However, as more women enter this sector, it will become more accommodating and commonplace for other women to consider this field. Going into what is viewed as a traditionally male-dominated industry can be viewed as empowering for women. It can cultivate a feeling of accomplishment by taking on perceived gender stereotypes.
Source: Forbes
