The “traditional” career path is getting a serious makeover. For a long time, we were told that a four-year degree was the only way to find professional stability. But today, skilled trades are offering new opportunities, especially for women. In fact, the number of women working in skilled trades reached an all-time high of over 314,000 in 2021, a 30%+ increase in just five years. [1]
More women in trade jobs are swapping 9-to-5 cubicle life for careers that allow them to build, fix, and create. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a professional pivot, the trades are no longer a “boys’ club.” They’re a space for anyone with the drive to learn.
Why More Women Are Entering Trade Careers
What percentage of people in trades are women? There’s an indication that interest is growing:
- Record-breaking participation: The construction industry is seeing a historic shift: As of 2024, women made up 11.2% of the workforce, the highest rate in 20 years, according to the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). [2] [3]
- Surge in apprenticeships: Between 2018 and 2023, the number of women in construction apprenticeships grew by over 55%. [4] In some states, like Oregon and Arizona, women made up at least 9% of all active apprentices in late 2025. [5]
- Explosion in enrollment: For the third straight year, enrollment in public two-year vocational and trade colleges grew, rising by 11.7% (about 91,000 students) in 2025. Since 2020, enrollment has increased by nearly 20%, and trade schools now account for 19.4% of all public two-year enrollment. [6]
- Sector-specific gains: While some trades are slower to shift, others are making steady progress. Recent national data show that more women are entering roles such as electricians and plumbing-related occupations than in previous years, signaling gradual but meaningful change in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. [4]
Factors Contributing to the Increase of Women in Trades
- Talent shortages: As industries face ongoing workforce shortages, many employers are actively seeking trained professionals. [7] This creates new opportunities for women in the trades to step into essential, hands-on roles.
- Economic opportunities: Trade school can prepare students for careers that don’t require four years of tuition payments. Plus, industry groups and public workforce initiatives are expanding resources and structured support designed to help women pursue and continue careers in the trades. [8]
- Career flexibility: Many trade roles offer project-based work or varied shifts, which is a game-changer if you’re looking for a better work-life balance. (9)
How Women Can Get Started in the Trades
If you’re wondering, “How do I actually do this?” the answer is specialized training. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) offers a supportive environment where you can learn the ropes from experienced instructors who have actually been there.
For those considering women in trades programs, understanding available training pathways is an important first step.
SJVC’s Trades and Industrial Programs include: (10)
- Electrical Technology: Learn to power everything from smart homes to industrial complexes.
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC-R): Train for the foundational skills to maintain the heating and cooling systems homes and businesses depend on.
- Maintenance Technician: Perfect for the problem-solver who loves to understand how complex machinery works.
- Construction Management: If you have natural leadership skills, this path prepares you to oversee the big picture of major building projects.
- Aviation Maintenance Technology: Gain the high-level technical skills to keep aircraft flight-ready.
Additional Pathways
Other ways women in the trades may enter the field:
- Apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience
- Industry-recognized certifications and licensing, depending on the field
- Employer-sponsored training programs
Exploring multiple pathways can help students find the approach that fits their goals and learning style.
Why the Trades Continue to Be an Opportunity for Women
Women in the trades are helping reshape the future of technical and industrial careers. Trades offer a path where your work speaks for itself. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start or your very first “real” job, the opportunity is yours for the taking.
If you’re considering a hands-on career and want to learn more about women in trades programs, the next step is gathering information. Inquire about SJVC programs now to make your next move.
References
- Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). “Numbers Matter: Clarifying the Data on Women Working in Construction.” https://iwpr.org/numbers-matter-clarifying-the-data-on-women-working-in-construction/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey.” https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat18.htm.
- National Association of Home Builders. “Women Represent Highest Share of Construction Industry Personnel in 20 Years.” https://www.nahb.org/blog/2025/09/women-represent-highest-share-of-construction-industry-personnel-in-20-years.
- National Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). “Numbers Matter: Women Working in Construction.” Women-in-Construction-Quick-Figure-2024-update.pdf.
- National Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). “Women in Apprenticeship Day: Why Tradeswomen Keep Pushing for Progress.” https://iwpr.org/women-in-apprenticeship-day-why-tradeswomen-keep-pushing-for-progress/.
- National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “Current Term Enrollment Estimates.” https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/.
- Manpower Group. “2025 Global Talent Shortage.” https://go.manpowergroup.com/talent-shortage.
- BestColleges. “Trade School for Women: Complete Guide.” https://www.bestcolleges.com/trades/guide-for-women-in-skilled-trades/.
- Indeed. “14 Jobs With Flexible Schedules.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-with-flexibility
- San Joaquin Valley College. “Trades and Industrial Programs Catalog.” https://www.sjvc.edu/program/trades-and-industrial-programs/.