We need new workers in the skilled trades. A generation of professionals have started to retire, and the industry is looking to bring new faces to the forefront. Women in trades have been fighting for equality for decades. Many tradeswomen have these spent these years convincing fellow women to join their profession. There’s never been a better time for women to get into the skilled trades.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women represented just 4 percent of the current construction and maintenance workforce in 2014. Fortunately, that number has been growing recently. Between working for equal opportunity in the trades and a growing need for workers, there are a lot of reasons for women to take up skilled professions in industries such as electric, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Reasons like:
High Pay
The wage gap is decreasing, with many women making well over $40 an hour as electricians, plumbers, ironworkers, carpenters, welders, and so on.
High Demand and Advancement Opportunity
Demand for electricians alone is projected to grow by at least 20 percent by the year 2022, which means plenty of jobs with plenty of room for growth.
Plumbers and pipe fitters are also in highly sought-after. Demand for plumbers and pipe fitters is projected to grow by 21 percent over the next decade.
Accessibility
Trade schools are statistically both cheaper to attend and take less time to graduate from. This makes it an easier option for women who have existing careers or obligations but are looking to broaden their horizons.
Scholarships
There are plenty of scholarship opportunities available out there for people looking to join skilled trades, with many focusing specifically on getting more women into related fields.
Job Security
Skilled trade jobs are never going anywhere. No matter what happens in the future, people are still going to need their toilets to flush, their lights to turn on, and their walls to stay standing.
Job Satisfaction
Combining a few of the previously stated points, SHRM’s 2016 Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement survey found that two of the leading job satisfaction contributors this year are job security and compensation.
Be a Role Model
Only 4% of skilled trade workers are women, and there’s a huge opportunity for new positions developing. Now is a great time to lead by example and change the face of skilled professions.
At Ben Franklin Plumbing Dallas, we’re proud to support more women adopting the skilled trades. Contact us today to see about current and potential future openings with our company.