Skilled trades are popular career choices, as they welcome workers of varying educational backgrounds and skill levels. You don’t need a formal degree to start a trade career, and there is a ton of upward mobility in these industries. Skilled trades refer to jobs that require specific skills and knowledge to perform, but this term is typically used to describe plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, construction workers, welders, and similar roles. More women than ever are choosing trade careers to bring home more income for their families and reach new career heights. If you’re a tradeswoman or are considering becoming one, there are a few strategies you can apply to maximize career success and satisfaction. (Disclaimer: This article contains spons0red content, meaning we may receive compensation from the products or services mentioned.)
Expand Your Experience and Education
The key to career success in any field is to stay up to date. You will want to keep your skills and knowledge polished, whether you’re just starting an apprenticeship or running your own business. In trade fields, industry regulations and technology are constantly changing the game. While you’ll likely need to continue your education to renew any licensing for your trade career, you’ll want to stay educated even when it isn’t required. You can take online classes to make sure you’re performing the job with the most updated standards and knowledge. You’ll also want to stay experienced by working with new people, taking on different types of projects, and applying for a wide variety of roles and tasks. The more experience and knowledge you have under your belt, the higher the career ladder you can climb.
Establish Career Goals
If you don’t know where you want your trade career to end up, it can be difficult to reach any new heights. As a woman in a male-dominated field, you may not know what your career goals should look like. There is no wrong answer here as long as you’ve thought about it thoroughly. If you’re just trying to pay bills, there is nothing wrong with staying an employee for your entire career. If you want to make a name for yourself, you may want to consider starting a business someday. Trade careers are great for starting a company or brand. Once you’ve set up goals for your career, you’ll be able to choose jobs and employers that align with those goals easier.
Practice Confidence
Trades jobs are often male-dominated, which can make the work environment feel isolating or awkward. One of the best ways to combat these feelings is to practice confidence. When you are confident in your work and presence, you won’t be bothered by being a minority or standing out in the field. Confidence can also help you find positive work environments and stand up against any harassment or workplace sexism. You can practice confidence by taking care of your physical and mental health, practicing self-care, and learning how to stand up and express yourself. Self-expression may seem difficult in a workplace where uniforms or safety gear take priority. Still, you can accessorize and decorate your work attire, vehicles, or desk space to represent your personality in subtle ways that can make a huge difference. You can rock a fun pixie haircut. You can place a fun Hug a Logger decal on your hard hat. You can try bold red shoelaces on your work boots. Whatever helps you feel more confident and unique can help boost your confidence tremendously.
Develop Professional Networks
As a woman, you may be concerned about discrimination or harassment in the workforce. Forming professional relationships can help you navigate rough waters and avoid them altogether. Networking allows you to connect with other professional tradespeople, including women, who can provide support and camaraderie. You can also find exclusive employment or career opportunities through professional networks. You can market your skills or brand much better when you know important industry figures. Networking is important to protect your mental health and establish a prestigious career. You can start by connecting with relevant companies and professionals on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Attending trade conferences pertinent to your specific industry is also a great way to meet new people and get your name out there.
Choose Inclusive Employers
While most tradespeople won’t bat an eyelash at your gender, there are some bad apples when it comes to male-dominated fields. To keep yourself safe and successful, you will want to choose employers that are inclusive and supportive of all genders, backgrounds, and work styles. It may be difficult to spot decent employers at first, but browsing previous employee reviews, consulting with your professional network, and evaluating company websites are great ways to get started. Keep an eye out for red flags in the workplace, like sexual harassment or disparaging comments about you or your gender. No one deserves a workplace or employer that limits safety and success.
Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Focusing too much or too little on your career can hinder your growth. If you work too much, you’ll wear down your mental and physical health. Overworking can create unnecessary stress, harm your personal relationships, and hurt your immune system. Not working enough can limit your income and cause you to miss vital career opportunities. It’s important to find the right balance to make sure you’re successful and healthy. If your workload consistently feels too much, you may want to dial it back by working fewer hours, lightening your load, or switching workplaces. If you don’t feel enriched at work or feel you need to bring home more income, you may want to find opportunities to work more hours or alternative opportunities. Prioritize your mental and physical health when finding a work-life balance.
Conclusion
When you start any job, it’s important to focus on your physical and mental health. It can be stressful to meet new colleagues and get your foot in an industry door, but a welcoming and productive workplace will make the transition much easier. Women play significant roles in the skilled trades industry, and you can make your mark with a positive work-life balance, continued education, and confidence.
