Why Women Should Consider a Career in a Skilled Trade

HVAC, welding, and electrical technicians are skilled tradespeople in high demand Texas-wide. And, for most, when they think of their electrician, they often picture a man. While skilled trades have historically been male-dominated, the trades offer many attractive benefits and opportunities for women.

Job Opportunities Exist in Skilled Trade

The first reason women should consider a career in a skilled trade is simple: opportunities. Seventy percent of construction and skilled trade employers report they experience difficulty finding skilled workers, and the skills gap in the United States economy continues to grow. As long as people live in homes, drive cars, use electricity, conduct their daily lives, and run businesses, the work of skilled tradespeople is essential. Nearly 60 percent of positions in manufacturing are going unfilled. For someone trained with the knowledge and skills necessary, job opportunities exist, and companies are hiring.

Women working in skilled trade enjoy high pay rates. In Texas, for example, the hourly entry-level pay for an HVAC technician is over $20, more than $19 for welders, and over $18 for electricians. The work also attracts flexible working hours and other benefits.

Training That Fits Your Schedule and Budget

For many women, their current jobs, family and community commitments, and concern about amassing large amounts of student debt make attending a four-year university an unappealing option. For these women seeking an alternate career path is imperative. The knowledge and skills needed for anyone to succeed in skilled trade don’t require a degree. Vocational training featuring hands-on learning opportunities and practical skills can lead to success in various skilled trade careers. As vocational training is often shorter (weeks vs. years) and less expensive, often the required education is a good fit for women already skilled at balancing it all.

A Career in Skilled Trade is Interesting

Women should consider a career in a skilled trade because it offers variety and opportunities to learn new things. A career in a skilled trade is an opportunity to work on different projects every day. Unlike the office environment, skilled trade workers are mostly in the field, meeting and interacting with various clients and honing their skills. Even better are the new and unique challenges, and opportunities brought to you daily.

Additionally, skilled trade workers are regularly on their own, independently making decisions, which is an excellent opportunity to be creative and try out new ideas.

 Skilled Traders can Start Their Own Businesses

Nothing is as liberating as a career in which they are their boss. Many tradespersons eventually start their own business, eventually even employing others.

Women Can Make Better Skilled Trade Workers

Given their higher concentration spans and greater attention to detail, women are great candidates for a skilled trade career. One of the women who have made a successful switch to skilled trade is Leslie, a graphic designer who became a successful welder. You, too, can become a successful skilled trade worker. Like Leslie, women should consider a career in a skilled trade in order to find exciting, lucrative, and unique careers.

In a country where most of the workforce comprises women, the number of American women working as electricians, welders, and HVACR is very low. As you decide on a career path, consider these compelling reasons why, as a woman, you might consider a career in skilled trades as a viable and smart career move.

Learn more about the vocational training programs at SCI.