Why more women are choosing careers in the trades
02 July 2026Posted by:
Viveka Alvestrand
Content Marketing Manager, Trade Direct Insurance
A new generation of women is choosing the trades
If you've worked in the trades for a while, you may have noticed something changing.
More women are choosing careers in construction and the skilled trades.
It's still a male-dominated industry, but more women are building careers as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, landscapers and builders than in previous years.
The construction sector will need hundreds of thousands of additional workers over the coming years to meet demand, according to the Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) latest Construction Skills Network forecast.
Bringing people into the industry from a wider range of backgrounds will be an important part of meeting that need.
Why are more women choosing the trades?
For electrician Sasha Planche DeVilliers, owner of Surrey-based business Sassy Does It, the move into the industry was never about following a trend.
It was about finding work that suited her.
After working as a professional dancer and trying office-based roles, she realised she wanted something more practical.
"I'd always worked with my dad as a teenager working on electric circuit boards, workshop assembly and electrical installations, so it was a natural fit for me. I've always had a fascination for finding out how things work."
That curiosity became a career, and eventually her own business.
She's also seen attitudes change since she first entered the trade.
"It's really grown. It's so much more accepted as a career choice and the trades and education have become much more accessible and inclusive to women.
“As demand is high and with the threat of AI in so many areas of life and employment, trades are seen as a smart choice to enter into."
Sasha’s experience reflects the latest apprenticeship figures.
According to CITB's report Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support., the number of women starting construction apprenticeships rose from 1,450 in 2018/19 to 2,420 in 2023/24. During the same period, the number completing construction apprenticeships increased from 340 to 930.
Women remain underrepresented across the construction workforce. But the figures show steady progress in both apprenticeship starts and completions.
More than just a job
For Sasha, one of the biggest rewards of working as an electrician is the satisfaction that comes from solving problems and helping customers.
"I love solving problems that no one else has managed to solve. Even something as simple as installing new sockets or lighting that transforms a space and makes life easier for a customer is incredibly rewarding. Seeing that expression of 'wow' on someone's face makes it all worthwhile."
Like many trades, electrical work also offers the opportunity to become self-employed and build your own business.
A career with a future
Technology continues to change many office-based professions, but skilled trades still rely on practical skills, technical knowledge and experience.
That hands-on nature, combined with strong demand for skilled workers, may be one reason a career in the trades appeals to the next generation.
Building the future of the trades
The UK's skills shortage won't be solved overnight, and there isn't a single answer.
Bringing more people into the industry is one part of the picture.
The increase in women starting and completing apprenticeships means more people are developing the skills the industry needs. It also means more visible role models for those considering a career in the trades.
Sasha's advice for anyone thinking about taking that step is simple.
"Go for it! It's the best decision you'll ever make. It's hard work, but you get to meet different people from all walks of life. Every day is a new place and a new challenge, so you never get bored."
Events such as Women Installers Together (WIT) help bring tradeswomen together to share experiences, learn from one another and build professional networks. Trade Direct Insurance will be attending this year’s event in London on 3 July.
Looking for more practical insights on running a trade business?
The Trade Direct Insurance blog covers topics including winning more work, managing cash flow and protecting your business, whatever trade you're in.
Sources
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Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Construction Apprenticeships 2025: Challenges. Opportunities. Support. (March 2025).
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Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Construction Skills Network forecast.
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The apprenticeship figures were also reported by Build in Digital, RCI Magazine and Construction Industry News.
About the Author
Viveka Alvestrand
Content Marketing Manager, Trade Direct Insurance
Viveka Alvestrand is an experienced content and digital marketing professional with a background in editorial strategy, brand storytelling and multi-channel communications.
Trade Direct is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The company is a leading UK independent broker providing a wide range of policies to tradesmen and construction workers.
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