Women in Construction Week: Why Now Is the Time for Women to Join the Skilled Trades

Women in Construction 🚧

This week is Women in Construction Week, and I am loving the support I’m seeing.

Co-workers. Colleagues. Contractors. Even strangers.

During a time when skilled tradesworkers are in high demand, women have an incredible opportunity to step into careers that are not only meaningful but also lucrative.

Careers where the pay rate is nearly equal.

Careers where advancement is absolutely possible. Careers where you can build something real, every single day.

And yet many women hesitate.

Not because they’re afraid of the hard work.But because they’re intimidated by the environment. By the fear of working alongside men who might question them. Who might try to put them down.

Let’s be honest — does that still happen sometimes?

Yes.

Will you feel overwhelmed some days?

Absolutely.

But is it as bad as it once was?

No.

Judging by the support I’ve seen from men in the trades this week, there are far more standing with us than against us.

I’ve been in the trades for 32 years.I’m only five feet tall. Most men tower over me.

And yet here I stand — proud of my career, proud of my skill, proud of the respect I’ve earned.

As a mentor to women entering construction, I’ve helped others find their footing, find their confidence, and gain the respect they deserve. And once they realize they belong?

They thrive.

So if you are thinking about a career in the trades, I say this:

DO IT.

You don’t have to be the biggest person on the jobsite.

You don’t have to know everything on day one.

You just have to show up, work hard, and refuse to shrink yourself.

There is room for you here.

There is opportunity here.

And there are more of us — men and women — building this industry together than ever before.

Stand tall. Even if you’re only five feet tall like me.

Happy Women in Construction Week 💚

— Tiffany “Bricklady”