Despite progress in encouraging females to join other industries that were previously male-dominated - such as medicine - the trade industry remains behind the times.
The future isn't set in stone, though, and there are plenty of ways this traditionally male role can start to attract more women to push the industry forward. Let’s take a look at how.
The Facts About Women in the Trades Industry
Around 3 in 5 UK residents would hire a woman to carry out work in their home, a survey undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Building discovered, with many admitting that they’d feel more comfortable with a female tradesperson than a male. This is certainly a positive statistic despite the uneven playing field, but it still shows room for improvement. 2 in 5 people living in the UK still wouldn't want a female tradesperson, a statistic that should shock everyone.
In the modern age, we know that women are just as capable as men in all walks of life. Women can plaster a wall, fix a plumbing issue, and wire a circuit board just as well as their male counterparts! But the stigma that remains is holding a lot of people back. So, what can we do to turn things around? Let’s take a look.
Understand the Positives of Women in the Workforce
By widely advertising the perks of having female tradespeople, the world can work together to reduce stigma and encourage women to enter this particular workforce. There are studies that look at the benefits of gender diversity in work environments, with a boost in productivity often cited. Employers will have less of a tough time finding top talent with more applicants to choose from, too, and homeowners get more choice when choosing a tradesperson. A single woman living alone, for example, may feel more comfortable with another female working on her property.
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Whether you run a trades company or work with job seekers, learning the positives of gender diversity is crucial to making it more attractive and breaking down stereotypes.
Social Perception Must Change
Although our ideas of gender norms are certainly becoming more open, there’s a long way left to go until we reach total equality! The fact that society still views trade work as masculine, is one area that we need to improve. As long as we keep associating trade with men, women won’t be as attracted to joining the industry.
If you're ever in the position of talking to teenagers about career options, don’t give in to gender stereotypes. Instead, make it clear that every job - including trade work - can be done by both a man and a woman.
Provide Quality HR Support
Unfortunately, gender stereotypes don’t just exist outside the industry, but within it, too. Many men in trade will crack jokes about the women working with them or not accept them in the industry. If you run a trades company, you need to be sure you have a fantastic HR team ready to deal with these situations. They should be trained on how to discipline such behaviour, as well as how to provide support for the women involved.
Improve Equal Education
In the Western world, we don’t have too many struggles with gender differences in education. Girls have the same right to an education as boys, and all subjects are open to both. However, that doesn’t mean that boys and girls receive the same education.
Because of stereotypes and different encouragement, girls are far less likely to go down the trades route when in school or take an interest in learning about topics around the industry. For example, the impact on first time buyers when looking to get on the property ladder whilst working as a contractor. To attract more women to the trade sector, we must pull together to improve gender diversity in related subjects, showing both boys and girls that anyone can become a tradesperson.
From Management Down
Those in charge of trade companies have a vital role in attracting more women. If you, as CEO, have a negative view of women in your workforce or even make light of the situation, you're making it a harder industry for females to break into. Set an example as the person in charge and actively encourage females in the workplace rather than putting their skills down.
It's also crucial you teach all management staff to do the same. If you think it's necessary, implement training for your senior team on interacting with women in the workplace and raise awareness of the difficulties and discrimination females can face. Make it clear that there’s a no-tolerance policy on gender discrimination in any form, and build a business that strives for equality.
The number of women in tradespeople roles is despairingly low. However, just because women aren’t attracted to the industry now doesn’t mean we should sit back and do nothing. This article should have given you the advice you need to support women in the trade industry, whether you’re a CEO, a teacher, or a friend. Now, spread the word, and let’s champion equality together.
