Women in Skilled Trades: Breaking Barriers
- EBSCOlearning Product
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
Skilled trades like construction, welding, and electrical work have long been seen as male-dominated, but that’s changing. More women are joining these fields, drawn by strong salaries, job security, and hands-on careers—yet they still make up only 9.9% of the construction workforce (BLS, 2024).
Not only are skilled trades in high demand, but women in these fields earn 30% more than those in traditionally female-dominated jobs like retail or administrative work. With a projected shortage of 2 million trade workers by 2030, now is the time to create more opportunities for women to enter and thrive in these careers.
Workforce development programs—like BlueCareer from EBSCOlearning—are playing a key role in closing the gender gap. By offering career exploration, training, certification prep, and job placement tools, BlueCareer helps women gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in high-paying, hands-on professions.
Here’s a closer look at the challenges women face—and how BlueCareer from EBSCOlearning is helping solve them.
Barriers Women Face—And How BlueCareer Helps Overcome Them
While opportunities are growing, women in skilled trades continue to encounter significant obstacles:
Gender Stereotypes & Bias
The Challenge: Many women still encounter outdated perceptions that skilled trades are “men’s work.” In fact, 61% of women in the trades report experiencing bias in the workplace (National Center for Construction Education & Research, 2024). This can make it harder for women to secure job opportunities or advance in their careers.
How BlueCareer Helps:
Career Awareness & Exploration
BlueCareer helps educate women on the benefits and potential of skilled trades, providing resources that showcase success stories and pathways into these high-paying fields.
Confidence-Boosting Skill Development
Women can build their skills and expertise with industry-aligned training modules, ensuring they enter the workforce prepared and capable.
Impact
Women gain the knowledge and credentials to break through stereotypes and demonstrate their expertise with confidence.
Limited Training & Career Guidance
The Challenge: Many women don’t have access to skilled trades education and career guidance early in life. Traditional schooling often promotes four-year college degrees over vocational training, leaving women unaware of the financially rewarding opportunities in trades.
How BlueCareer Helps:
Personalized Career Exploration
BlueCareer helps women identify the best trade career based on their interests and strengths, offering clear, structured career pathways.
Comprehensive Training & Certification Prep
From welding to HVAC repair, BlueCareer provides interactive training modules and practice exams to help women obtain the certifications needed to succeed.
Impact
Women can easily explore career options and access certifications that boost their employability, all from one convenient platform.
Workplace Culture & Retention Challenges
The Challenge: 47% of women in trades leave within five years, often due to lack of mentorship, discrimination, or an unwelcoming work environment (Institute for Women’s Policy Research, 2023). Many women report feeling isolated in male-dominated workplaces.
How BlueCareer Helps:
Mentorship & Community Support
BlueCareer connects women with mentors, industry professionals, and peer support networks, helping them navigate challenges and build a sense of belonging.
Soft Skills & Leadership Development
The platform includes courses on communication, conflict resolution, and leadership, empowering women to advocate for themselves and excel in the workplace.
Impact
Women feel supported, valued, and empowered to advance in their careers instead of leaving the industry.
Job Placement & Advancement Opportunities
The Challenge: Even after gaining skills, finding the right job and career advancement opportunities can be difficult, especially for women entering a male-dominated industry.
How BlueCareer Helps:
Resume & Job Search Tools
BlueCareer provides resume-building tools, job application assistance, and employer connections to help women land skilled trade positions.
Career Growth Resources
For those looking to advance, BlueCareer offers training on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business ownership, preparing women to move into management or start their own businesses.
Impact
Women don’t just enter the trades—they thrive, grow, and lead in the industry.
The Future of Women in Skilled Trades
The future is brighter than ever for women in skilled trades. With increasing industry demand, growing support networks, and workforce development tools like BlueCareer, more women are gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.
📢 Want to check out the platform? Discover how BlueCareer from EBSCOlearning can help women explore career pathways, gain certifications, and connect with job opportunities in skilled trades.
💡 Know someone who could benefit from this? Share this blog and help us build a more inclusive workforce!
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