Construction is a broad term encompassing many different trades, including carpentry, plumbing, welding, and more. However, with this new generation of workers, there are big changes happening. The inclusion of women in the trades has emerged over the past twenty years, causing a substantial shift in how these trades operate.
We are examining the workforce changes brought about by the integration of women, exploring their impact on trades and how these effects will continue to unfold. Additionally, we will investigate how women in the trades have influenced established traditions and the people who formed them.
“Some of my best employees were female, they gave a different mindset compared to male employees, while also getting away from the stigma that construction is only for males,” says Ace Sin. One significant detail regarding women in the trades is the different mindset they bring, as Jennifer Leaf states: “Absolutely, because they can offer different views on the same projects that may not have been considered previously. Women often approach problem-solving differently than men, who may focus more on the heavy stuff.” While the number of women in the trades remains low, the presence of some is still more than none. The stigma that construction is a male’s job makes it hard for women to take a step into technical trades. As Rosedale Technical College reports, “Women only make up about 3% of skilled trade jobs in the US. It’s no secret that there’s a demand for skilled workers, prompting more employers to seek out women to fill these job openings.”
However, there is a bright side, with numerous programs making entry into the trades more accessible. “There are programs that fully support women in trades, such as LOGIC (LADIES OPERATING FOR GROWTH IN CONSTRUCTION) and NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), as well as companies like Stanley Black & Decker, which actively encourage women to enter the trades,” adds Ace Sin.
Now, let’s spotlight a woman entering the carpentry trade: Aryonna Johnson. Aryonna has long been interested in this field since a childhood field trip to a construction site sparked her interest. Little things like this is all it truly takes for someone to fall in love with the trades. Aryonna aims to specialize in finish carpentry, including tasks such as drywall hanging, door and window installation, trim work, and more. She hopes to gain much from being in the trades, such as “improving my communication skills, something I struggle with now, and building better character, striving to achieve goals with the discipline I will learn working in the trade.”
What’s stopping you from taking that step? What’s stopping you from raising that 3% to 20%, 40%, even 50%? Nothing but a push into the right direction. For women interested in entering the trades, ABC Greater Baltimore, located on Biddle St., hosts NAWIC, a summer camp designed to help women take their first steps into the workforce.
