Celebrating Women in Skilled Trades Today

In the spirit of Women's History Month, we turn our spotlight on a pivotal and increasingly influential sector: women in skilled trades. At Lincoln Tech, we are not just witnessing a change; we are actively participating in crafting a future where gender diversity is not just encouraged but celebrated. This narrative isn't merely about inclusion; it's about recognizing the profound impacts and contributions women have made and continue to make in skilled trades—an area historically dominated by men.

The Importance of Women in Skilled Trades

Currently, women constitute a small percentage of the workforce in skilled trades. Women make up less than 5% of skilled trade workers in the United States. However, the number of women in skilled trades is growing¹. Yet, each number in that statistic is a story of courage, resilience, and groundbreaking success. The benefits of gender diversity in the workplace are extensive, ranging from enhanced problem-solving and creativity to improved business performance. Historically, the skilled trades were less accessible to women, often marred by stereotypes and biases. However, transformative progress has been made, as we now see women working in roles that were traditionally held by men¹.

The Impact of Gender Diversity

Gender diversity isn't just a metric to be achieved; it's a catalyst for industry evolution. Diverse perspectives lead to richer ideation, fostering innovation that can take a trade or an entire industry to new heights. Further, companies embracing inclusivity are seeing better job performance and greater employee satisfaction.

Women in trades are thriving across a spectrum of industries, demonstrating exceptional success in fields such as Machining and Manufacturing, Electrical and Electronics, HVAC, and Welding Technology. At Lincoln Tech, we witness firsthand how women excel in these critical industries, bringing innovation, skill, and unwavering dedication to their crafts.

Women's Historic and Ongoing Contributions

From wartime welders to modern-day electricians, women in trades have a storied history of breaking barriers and setting new standards. Today, they are leaders, educators, and key influencers in their fields.

Benefits of Pursuing a Career in the Trades

Skilled trades offer remarkable career paths loaded with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here’s why a career in trades is an outstanding choice:

• Job Security: Skilled trades are in high demand, with shortages of qualified workers making job security a significant perk.
• Competitive Salaries and Benefits: Many skilled trades jobs offer competitive salaries that rival or surpass those offered by more traditional four-year degree careers.
• Advancement Opportunities: The trades offer clear pathways for advancement, often accompanied by increases in salary and responsibility.

Challenges Faced by Women in the Trades

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Gender stereotypes and workplace biases still exist, and navigating these while pursuing excellence in one’s craft can be demanding.

• Work-Life Balance: Managing the demands of a trade job and personal life requires support and flexibility from employers.
• Support Networks: Mentorship and networks can be crucial in helping women advance and thrive in these careers.

Pathways to Entering the Skilled Trades

At Lincoln Tech, we champion this journey, especially for women who aspire to break new ground in industries eagerly seeking their expertise. Our hands-on training programs are meticulously designed to transform ambition into skill, potential into success. Here, women are not just trained; they are empowered to build the futures they envision.

Discover Your Passion

Your pathway begins with discovery. Whether your interest lies in Machining and Manufacturing, Electrical/Electronics, HVAC, or Welding Technology, Lincoln Tech offers a diverse range of programs to ignite your passion. Our enrollment process is tailored to help you identify the trade that best matches your interests and career aspirations.

Engage in Hands-On Learning

At the heart of Lincoln Tech's approach is our belief in the power of hands-on training. Our classrooms are the workshops, the labs, the real-world environments where theory meets practice. Here, you'll learn by doing—guided by industry-experienced instructors who are committed to fostering your growth. Each lesson is designed to build not just knowledge, but confidence in your ability to apply what you've learned.

Learn Your Trade

Through Lincoln Tech's comprehensive curriculum, you will delve deeply into your chosen field, learning the skills that matter. From the fundamentals to advanced techniques, our programs are crafted to ensure that you leave ready to excel from day one on the job. In addition to technical skills, our courses also equip you with essential soft skills, like teamwork and communication, ensuring you're well-rounded and job-ready.

Connect with Employers

Your journey through Lincoln Tech is supported by more than just education; we have a career services department that can help guide you in your search for employment. Our Career Services team is dedicated to connecting you with potential employers through career fairs, networking events, and direct recruitment opportunities. We are proud to have partnerships with leading companies in your field of study, enhancing your opportunities to launch a successful career.

Real Stories of Success

At Lincoln Tech, we celebrate the strides our alumni make as they shape the future with skilled expertise and undeniable resolve. The inspiring journey of Taylor Kusowski through the ranks of Lincoln Tech’s Automotive Program exemplifies a dedication that resonates deeply within the industry. As a woman who has navigated a journey through the traditionally male-dominated realm of automotive technology, Taylor stands not only as a testament to her own achievements but also as inspiration for countless other women.

Her pursuit of an automotive career, undeterred by the conventions of traditional college education, spotlights her role as an influential force—encouraging women to redefine the landscape of skilled trades. Taylor's accomplishments serve as a compelling narrative that brings to the forefront the opportunities available to those who dare to follow their passion with a career-focused education at Lincoln Tech. She is a symbol of empowerment, skillfully dismantling barriers and sparking a transformative movement where more women join the ranks, ready to drive innovation and success in the world of automotive technology and beyond.

Advice for Woman Entering Skilled Trades

Entering male-dominated skilled trades can be a rewarding career choice for women, offering numerous opportunities for professional growth and personal achievement. Based on insights from industry experts and successful women in these fields, here are several pieces of advice for women considering this path:

• Seek Out Role Models and Mentors: At Lincoln Tech, we understand the transformative power of mentorship. Our dedicated instructors, staff, and a vibrant network of accomplished alumni are poised to guide you every step of the way.
• Advocate for Yourself: At the core of our values, we hold a steadfast belief in your potential and capabilities. Being a woman in a male-dominated field might present unique challenges, yet your resilience and talent are your strongest assets. We encourage you to assert your presence confidently, let your skills do the talking, and illuminate your path with your achievements. Stand firm in your worth and know that your voice matters.
• Continuous Learning and Skills Development: Graduating from Lincoln Tech is just the beginning of your professional journey. In the ever-evolving landscape of skilled trades, staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning and development. By continually enhancing your knowledge and abilities, you not only secure your place in the workforce but also pave the way for future opportunities and advancements in your career.
• Network Actively: Proactively engage with fellow professionals, and maintain the valuable relationships you've established at Lincoln Tech with alumni and staff. A diverse and dynamic network of allies, mentors, and peers can provide critical insights, introduce you to new opportunities, and offer support. By investing in these relationships, you're not only fostering personal growth but also building a foundation that can withstand and adapt to the waves of change in your field.

Women in skilled trades are not just participating—they are leading, innovating, and inspiring. As we continue to support and expand opportunities for women through education and training, we not only uplift an industry, we transform lives. At Lincoln Tech, you’re not just pursuing a certificate or degree; you are stepping into a heartbeat of opportunity that thrives on diversity, equity, and empowerment. Join us today to not just build a career, but forge a legacy in skilled trades. Explore more about our programs and hear firsthand accounts at Lincoln Tech.

At Lincoln Tech, your future is waiting—and it’s hands-on, groundbreaking, and inclusive. Together, let's build a world that appreciates and celebrates the contributions of women in skilled trades. Start your journey with us now!

¹ “Harnessing the Talents of Women in the Growing Trades Workforce.” U.S. Department of Commerce, 9 July 2024, https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2024/07/harnessing-talents-women-growing-trades-workforce.