James Brown famously sang, “This is a man’s world, this is a man’s world/But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.” While he may have been singing about the world in general, he probably had no idea the role that women would have in the man’s world of the trades.
The trades are well known to be heavily male-dominated, like the legal and medical fields. However, this doesn’t discourage women across the country from joining the trades. Still, rather it inspires them to pursue a career and even start their own plumbing, HVAC, electric, or construction companies.
Women are joining the trades not with a manner or attitude of “anything you can do I can do better,” but rather one of, “if you can do it, then so can I.” They understand that there’s money to be made in the trades, a need to be met and that they can handle the work that needs to be done.
So, what are the options for women starting in the trades?
One that seems obvious is going to a trade school. Many community colleges around the country offer a trades program, and the tuition is considerably less compared to a traditional four-year school. The other added benefit of trade schools is the programs are shorter, usually about two years.
If you’re worried about paying for trade school tuition, have no fear! Women in HVACR, an organization that mentors and supports women in the HVAC profession, also offers scholarships to women who want to go into the field of HVAC. Each scholarship is worth $2,000! The criteria for the scholarships can be found at https://www.womeninhvacr.org/ under the Education tab.
Another option is starting with a company that’s hiring apprentices. Many companies will employ apprentices who are under the watchful eye of a senior technician or journeyman. They help to educate them on what needs to be done, the safe way to do it, and why a task needs to be done a certain way.
It just so happens that Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling has become an accredited school, and we’re starting our first class with our apprenticeship program soon, which will also have its first female apprentice! We will be able to coach new technicians interested in beginning their career in the trade and help them become masters of their craft.
Contact Us Here At Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling To Get Started Today!
If you’re a woman who loves to work with her hands, isn’t afraid to get dirty, wants a rewarding career, and desires to be part of a team that supports each other, then stop by the office at Albuquerque Plumbing Heating & Cooling and fill out an application. We’re excited to meet and work with you!