Episode: 465

Episode Title: Gender Equality in the Trades

Are skilled-trade careers a better fit for men than women? Let’s talk about this stereotype, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 465 show:

Hello and welcome to The Perna Syndicate! As we wrap up our discussion of the skilled trades and Gen Z this week, it’s worth looking at one more misperception that could be contributing to the skills gap. It’s simply the notion that skilled trade careers are a better fit for men than women.

According to Stanley Black & Decker’s recent study, 53% of teen boys have some familiarity with skilled trades, compared to 36% of teen girls. As a result, teen boys are much more likely consider this type of career than their female counterparts. Fewer than half of the young women surveyed thought that the skilled trades would be a good path for them, compared to 69% of boys. Similarly, fathers are more than twice as likely as mothers to say a skilled trade career is an attractive choice for their child. 

All of this reveals significant gender inequalities—and a major opportunity for skilled trade employers to reach a previously untapped pool of female talent. 

The reality is that the skilled trades are for everyone. I’ve previously shared the story of Megan, an enterprising young woman welder who is thriving in a career often relegated to men. Or consider the journey of Emily, who earned two college degrees before she turned to ironworking for a fulfilling career. These young women are proving that women can and do thrive in the trades. 

To bridge the skills gap, we need workers of all genders to power the future of these crucial industries. Every student should have a chance to choose the profession that appeals to them—no matter what their gender.

Thanks for tuning in and making The Perna Syndicate a part of your week! I’m your host, Mark Perna, and we’ll see you back here next week for more on The Perna Syndicate. Until then, take care!