Why women in trades is a great idea.

Why women in trades is a great idea.

Isn’t it great that a  growing number of women are  entering the trade industry. Traditionally the trades have been male-dominated; however, women in trades not only benefit women they help the  tradie industry as a whole. Here’s why;

  • Shortage of workers. 

NZ is experiencing a labour shortage crisis. Women make up 50% of the population, and according to Trade Careers, only 13% of all Tradies are women in New Zealand. Now is an excellent time for women to enter the trades.

  • Better safety on site.

Women are more detail-orientated and safety-conscious. Measure twice; cut once is the adage. Mixed teams appear to be safer and happier and  make less costly mistakes.

  • Better productivity.

Employers who have mixed teams have noticed an increase in productivity. Women feel they have something to prove, so they work hard. Employers have seen the men in diverse teams ‘pull up their socks.’ and are less prone to slacking off.

  • New ideas

Women bring a fresh perspective and new ideas. If those ideas are better ways to work, everyone wins.

 

Why would a woman choose a trade career? 

 

  • More money

Female school leavers who enter apprenticeships can earn $145,000 more than their university counterparts by the age of 30.

  • Better career advancement 

Many women work hard and are in team leader and management positions early in their careers.

  • Better work-life balance

Aroha Savage was able to juggle her building career with her rugby career. “I could travel for rugby while I wasn’t on the tools. I managed to win a World Cup during this time which was another proud moment.”

What challenges do women face if they want to work in trades?
  • Physical strength.
  • Lack of confidence.
  • Toilets on construction sites and
  • discrimination, sexism,

These challenges can be overcome. Many women train with dumbbells to build their physical strength.

 

Persistence has overcome discrimination, especially when landing their first job out of training. Lack of confidence can be overcome through support and role models.

Support  for Women Tradies

Some organisations focus specifically on supporting women in trades, such as;

NIWAC

National Association of Women in Construction 

A voluntary, non-profit association of women who work either in the construction industry or for business organisations that provide services to the construction industry

https://www.nawic.org.nz/

 

Women in Trades

Women in Trades (WIT) is a not-for-profit that promotes trades and trades training as a viable career option for women and employers. A committed group of people runs the organisation from in and around the trades and trades services industries.

https://www.womenintradesnz.com/

 

Role models

Seeing other women who have succeeded in the trades can inspire and motivate women just starting out in the industry. Here is some inspiration online.

The Women in Trades website 

Has a monthly Women in Tradies Wednesday blog, sharing success stories and discussing issues. https://www.womenintradesnz.com/news-info

 

Mito/Te Pukenga website

Features women in trades as part of their qualified success stories.

https://www.mito.org.nz/get-qualified/success-stories/

 

Successful women in Trades speak up.

Colleen Upton, General Manager of Hutt Gas and Plumbing, often talks to young women in schools about a career in trades.

She will co-host our next information session on International Women’s Day, March 8th, at 7:00 pm. Our session will be focusing on Women in Trades.

 

You can sign up on our website or follow this link:

 

Save this link; https://zoom.us/j/93015254129

Meeting ID: 930 1525 4129.

 

References

NAWIC https://www.nawic.org/

The Women in Trades https://www.womenintradesnz.com/news-info

Mito/Te Pukenga https://www.mito.org.nz/get-qualified/success-stories/

 

We Love Tradies HR Ltd blogs contain only general information about legal matters. It is not intended to be legal advice and should not be treated, or relied on, as such. For legal advice specific to your facts, please get in touch with a lawyer appropriate to your legal issue.

Cat Randle
Cat Randle

at Randle is an award-winning writer. She writes blogs for various audiences, including authors, charities, and professional companies. She helps hundreds of Tradies to relax and enjoy their weekends with We Love Tradies HR, internationally renowned HR solutions. She wants to save our planet because it's the only one with chocolate.

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