Women in Trades

Seeing Yourself in a Role

According to Digital Builder, a construction blog; "... people tend to seek career paths that they can relate to - in other words, they look at the people in these fields and see if they see themselves in those roles. If women only see men in the trades, they’ll assume it’s not a career for them." It is important for women to see other women in the roles where they can picture themselves and see that she truly can do the job.

The Rise of Women in Construction: Why It’s Critical, Especially in Field Leadership

This article highlights the growing importance of advancing women into leadership and field supervisory roles within the construction industry. While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented, and expanding their presence is essential to addressing workforce shortages, improving collaboration, and driving innovation. Through examples like project superintendent Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, the piece reinforces how relationship-focused leadership, intentional training, and supportive workplace practices can help attract, retain, and promote skilled tradeswomen, creating a more sustainable future for the industry.

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Women in the Trades Data and Statistics

Less than 5% of skilled trade workers are women, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

We are focused on narrowing this skills gap.

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reports that women are substantially underrepresented (relative to their share of total employment) in agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation and utilities. The jobs that are available and will become available are suffering a shortage and women can help fill those gaps. There are opportunities for learning and careers in these industries that we need to help women realize are out there.

According to Tradeswoman Inc., of the 165 million people working in the trades, women make up 250k. However, this number includes the non-technical positions (administrative, executive and office positions). When looking at the statistics of those working on the trade, those numbers drop significantly.

“It’s important for women to know there are opportunities available to them in the trades. We want to increase participation and empower them to succeed.” said Michelle Stockwell, Administrator for Adult Programs.

We work with several local industries that see this shortage in women and discuss that with us. Those companies include Barton Mines, Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association, Curtis Lumber, The Fort Miller Group, Inc., North Atlantic States Carpenters Labor Management Program, Rudd Builders and Whitbeck Construction.

Check out some of our past events:

ETA Promotes Opportunities for Women in the Trades

Empowering Women in the Trades Event

Employment Training for Adults (ETA), a division of WSWHE BOCES, hosted their annual Women in Trades event on March 27, 2024 in Wilton, NY. Nearly 50 guests were in attendance to “Continue the Conversation of Empowering Women in the Trades.”

Each year, adults and students in the trades, local industry partners, career centers, advisors, BOCES board members, administrators and instructors get together for this event for roundtable conversations and presentations. They discuss the challenges women face and discover more ways to encourage women to choose these paths.

Continue to the full story by clicking here.

Continuing the Conversation - Women in the Trades

Continuing the Conversation - Women in the Trades
With more than 50 guests in attendance, the Women in Trades event on March 30, 2023 was another step toward building awareness and growth opportunities for women to work in the trades.

The event, titled “Pathways to Empowering Women in the Trades,” was hosted by Employment Training for Adults (ETA). Students, business partners, community members, WSWHE BOCES board members, and individuals interested in learning about support, pathways and opportunities for women in the trades were in attendance.

Continue to the full story by clicking here.

Powerful Insights & Reflections from the Women in Trades Expo

On March 30, 2022, Employment Training for Adults (ETA), hosted a Women in Trades Expo at the WSWHE BOCES Conference Center in Wilton. The event successfully brought together local employers, industry partners, and women interested in learning about new pathways and opportunities. Continue to full story by clicking here.

The following programs were highlighted: •Automotive Technology •CDL •Electrical Technician •Heavy Equipment •HVAC-R •Machine Tool Technology •Marine Technology •Residential Construction •Security Guard •Welding

Exhibiting companies included

Barton Mines LLC, Curtis Lumber Company Commercial Paving Company D.A. Collins Family of Companies Eastern Millwright Regional Council Espey Mfg. Electronics Corp. Express Employment Professionals of Albany The Fort Miller Group, Inc. Hudson Valley Community College Hunt Companies, Inc. LEAP - Learning, Employment, Assistance, Partnership Local 7 Plumbers & Steamfitters National Grid North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters North East Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Stone Bridge Iron & Steel, Teakwood Builders, Inc., U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 773, UBC Millwrights U.S. Air Force Recruiting Veterans & Community Housing Coalition - Vethelp Saratoga Economic Development Corp Warren County Employment & Training Administration!

CTE Students

Take a look at our CTE women students by clicking here.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide hands-on learners an opportunity to master academics and technical skills within a subject that interests them and leads to a rewarding career.

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