For decades, the trade has been dominated by men, leaving women significantly underrepresented. While progress is slow, International Women's Day provides a timely opportunity to celebrate the women who are forging their paths in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
Introduction
If I’ve learnt anything from my 45 years on planet Earth there are two clear facts.
- Whatever happens with the economy, the trade industry (construction, plumbing, electrical) provide the backbone of the nation's infrastructure.
- Women rule the world.
Regarding my first fact, wherever you go in the UK you will never be more than 20 metres away from someone fixing, building or attacking something with a power tool. The trade keeps our lights on, fixes the roads we drive on, keeps the water flowing and our homes warm.
On the point of women ruling the world, Mark Twain is credited for saying that behind every successful man there is a woman. However my daughter is credited for telling me that behind every successful man there is a woman telling him what to do and how to do it!
The trade industry has had a rough few years as the UK has fallen into recession. The spike in interest rates has cooled the housing market, supply constraints and inflation have rapidly increased material costs. While some of these areas are improving, one thing that continues to hurt is just how hard it is to find staff, especially in qualified trades such as heating, gas or electrical.
Given the shortage of skilled practitioners, it seems highly surprising that according to the office of national statistics women only make up around 6% of the total trade workforce? Given that they are more than 50% of the population this is a serious and frankly stupid situation to find ourselves in.
For decades, the trade has been dominated by men, leaving women significantly underrepresented. While progress is slow, International Women's Day provides a timely opportunity to celebrate the women who are forging their paths in these traditionally male-dominated fields.
Breaking Down Barriers
Historically, women have been discouraged from entering the trades and schools and colleges have distinguished between blue and pink career paths with the trade vehemently in the blue corner. Challenges remain, but dedicated efforts are underway to break these down barriers. Initiatives like "Women in Construction" and "Women in Trades" offer mentorship programs, skills training, and networking opportunities specifically designed to empower women.
Why Choose the Trades?
Construction, plumbing and electrical along with many other variants offer many advantages for women looking for great careers:
- Demand and Job Security: The UK faces a skills shortage in these sectors, leading to high demand for qualified workers. This translates to job security and a strong starting point for career development.
- Competitive Salaries and Benefits: Skilled tradespeople can earn competitive salaries and benefit packages, offering financial stability and the potential for career progression.
- Diversity and Challenge: The work environment is rarely monotonous, offering daily challenges, opportunities to learn new skills, and job satisfaction.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Skilled individuals can establish their own businesses, allowing you a greater control over work life balance and how much money you can earn.
Women Making a Difference
Despite the challenges, women are increasingly making their mark in the UK's trade industry. Powered Now customers like Kornelia from She's Electricx or Kimmy the Spark are proving that skill, dedication, and passion are the true cornerstones of success in these fields.
Benefits of Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond empowering individuals, increasing the number of women in the trade benefits the industries themselves. Research suggests that diverse teams foster innovation, improve problem-solving, and generally lead to better solutions. Additionally, some women only feel comfortable letting other women into their homes to do the work.
Looking Forward:
Celebrating women like Kimmy or Kornelia serves as a crucial reminder of the progress made and the continued need for inclusivity. By showcasing the success stories of women in the trades, we can inspire future generations to consider these rewarding career paths. This helps build a future where the construction, plumbing and electrical industries are open and welcoming for all.
Let's continue to break down stereotypes and encourage women to explore these opportunities. Let’s look to a future where the UK's infrastructure is built by a diverse and talented workforce that fully reflects the nation it serves.
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