Climbing a mountain takes strength and focus even when the road gets tough. That’s what many women face when entering skilled trades. For years, women have been seen as weak, but more women are lacing up their boots and making the climb. From HVAC training to welding, they’re pushing past barriers and helping other women to follow. Each step forward reshapes the skilled trades and opens up new routes to success.
However, barriers like stereotypes and a lack of role models are still present. More gender diversity in skilled trades is about fairness, and it creates new ideas and stronger teams. Companies with diverse teams often perform better and have higher employee satisfaction. Plus, with a national shortage of skilled workers, we need more people to fill the skills gap.
Encouraging women to enter trades helps close this gap. It starts with access to training and support from employers. Women belong in skilled trades. It’s time more people saw it that way.
Women in Skilled Trades: Pioneering Careers
Women are pioneers in skilled trades like HVAC and construction, breaking barriers and building strong careers. Some of these pioneers include:
Judaline Cassidy, one of the first women accepted into New York’s Plumbers Local 371.
She started as an apprentice and worked her way up. Now, she runs Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit that helps young girls learn more about the trades.
Another example is Shannon Tymosko, an electrical apprentice in Canada. She uses social media to talk about her experiences and support women in the trades. Shannon faced doubts. However, she proved herself on the job. Today, she’s an advocate for women entering the trades.
What are Some Skilled Trades for Women?
Women are finding success. Three fields where women are making a big impact are:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
HVAC techs install and repair heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial structures. This high-demand job requires problem-solving and attention to detail. Women in HVAC bring strong communication and precision to the field, helping teams work efficiently and safely.
Combination Welding
Combination welding involves mastering multiple welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding, to work on various metal structures and projects. Women in welding are thriving thanks to their precision, steady hands, and attention to detail. Combination welding offers long-term job security, creative work, and competitive pay from construction sites to fabrication shops.
What are the Benefits of Women Entering Skilled Trades?
Skilled trades offer real benefits for women looking for new career opportunities. Jobs in HVAC, welding, and plumbing are in high demand. Most skilled trades also offer opportunities without needing a four-year degree. Women can train quickly and start earning faster. Over time, experience in the trades can lead to leadership roles or business ownership.
For many women, joining the trades is also empowering. These jobs build confidence and a strong voice on the job site. They provide opportunities in industries where women have been left out for too long. As more women join the skilled trades, they help break down barriers. That shift creates more balance in the workforce and shows the next generation that career choices should be based on skill, not gender.
How Can We Encourage More Women to Enter Skilled Trades?
We need to start early to encourage more women to enter skilled trades. Tidewater Tech promotes trade programs for all students. More outreach in middle and high school can spark interest before women choose a path.
Mentorship also makes a big difference. Programs like Tools & Tiaras and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) give women support and a network to lean on. These groups help women build skills and confidence.
Employers can also help by creating welcoming job sites and offering fair pay and opportunities for advancement. Simple changes, like having proper gear and restrooms, show women they belong.
How is Tidewater Tech Preparing Women for Careers in Skilled Trades?
Trade schools like Tidewater Tech are important in helping women start careers in skilled trades. We offer hands-on training in high-demand fields like HVAC. These programs focus on real-world skills that lead directly to jobs.
Tidewater Tech allows students to train in labs that use industry-standard equipment like they would find on a job site. Instructors bring industry experience and guide students through the curriculum. That kind of learning builds confidence and helps women feel confident about their skills.
At Tidewater Tech, we offer career services, resume help, interview preparation, and job placement support. We are also working to create a more welcoming space for women. Some campuses hold events or partner with groups that promote women in the trades. These efforts help build community and give female students the support they need to succeed.
The Future of Women in Skilled Trades
As industries grow and new tech takes hold, trades are changing fast. Fields like smart HVAC systems and advanced manufacturing are growing and need a highly skilled workforce. They offer opportunities for women looking to enter the trades.
Skilled trades are no longer just traditional paths; they are lifelong careers. And women have the chance to lead and innovate in the construction industry.
Final Thoughts
Mentorship and community are important in helping more women succeed in skilled trades. For many, entering a male-dominated field can feel isolating, but strong support systems can change that.
Mentorship
Mentorship gives women someone to turn to for advice and career guidance. Experienced tradeswomen can help others navigate challenges and increase their confidence. Groups like Tradeswomen Inc. and NAWIC connect women at all stages of their careers.
Education
Education is the foundation. Trade schools like Tidewater Tech offer hands-on training in fields like HVAC, combination welding, and auto technicians. Programs like SkillsUSA also give students opportunities to compete and grow their technical and leadership skills.
Community
Community helps women feel like they belong. Organizations like Tools & Tiaras introduce girls to the trades. Online spaces, trade unions, apprenticeship programs, and national conferences bring tradeswomen together to share stories and build support.
When women see others like them succeeding, it creates momentum. Mentorship, education, and community are key to growing the next generation of skilled tradeswomen.
Hands-On Skills at the Best Schools for HVAC Training
Starting Your HVAC Training at Tidewater Tech
Now that you know what an HVAC training program includes, it is time to learn more about Tidewater Tech. Enjoy the experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and job placement assistance to get you started as an HVAC technician.
Contact us today to learn more about HVAC training.
