Trade guide
Women in Trades: Breaking Barriers in 2026
Overview
Women make up just 15% of the UK construction workforce and only 2% of on-site trade roles, but those numbers are moving: construction apprenticeship enquiries from women are up sixfold since 2015. If you're a woman considering a trade career, the demand, funding and support networks are already in place. The pay gap in trades is also smaller than in many other sectors.
Next steps
Turn this guide into a plan
Check current trade jobs, set a weekly alert, or build the CV you will use to apply.
The Numbers: Women in UK Trades (2026)
• 15% of the construction workforce are women (up from 11% in 2018)
• 2-3% of on-site skilled trade roles are held by women
• 37% of construction apprenticeship enquiries now come from women (up from 6% in 2015)
• 86% of women in trades say they'd recommend the career to other women
• Women in trades earn on average only 3% less than male counterparts — far lower than the national gender pay gap of 14%
The gap is closing, but there's still enormous room for growth — and that means enormous opportunity for women entering the trades now.
Why the Trades Need More Women
Employers also report a commercial upside: firms with women on the tools often score higher customer satisfaction in domestic work, and many customers specifically request female tradespeople.
Major companies like Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Morgan Sindall have women-in-construction recruitment programmes with mentoring, training, and career development support.
Trades Where Women Are Thriving
• Electrical work — The fastest-growing trade for women. Requires brains over brawn. Electrician guide →
• Plumbing & Heating — Women plumbers report excellent customer reception, especially for domestic work. Plumbing guide →
• Painting & Decorating — Strong demand and lower physical barriers to entry. Painting guide →
• Tiling — Creative, detail-oriented trade with good earnings. Tiling guide →
• HVAC & Renewable Energy — The heat pump revolution is creating new roles with no established gender bias. HVAC guide →
• Site Management — Growing number of women moving into supervisory and management roles with excellent salaries.
Support and Initiatives for Women
Women Into Construction (WIC) — Free training, work placements, and employment support specifically for women entering construction.
NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) — Networking, mentoring, and career development.
CITB Diversity Grants — Funding specifically for training programmes that recruit underrepresented groups including women.
Employer Programmes — Many large construction companies have dedicated women's recruitment and mentoring schemes.
Trade-Specific Networks — Groups like Women Installers Together (WIT) for plumbing and heating trades provide peer support and community.
College bursaries and scholarships specifically for women in trades are also becoming more common — ask your local college about available funding.
Overcoming Common Concerns
"I'll face discrimination" — While outdated attitudes exist in pockets, the vast majority of tradespeople are welcoming and professional. The industry has changed enormously in the last decade. Report any harassment — employers and industry bodies take it seriously.
"There are no facilities for women on site" — Legislation requires separate toilet and changing facilities for women on construction sites. This is enforced and has improved dramatically.
"I won't be taken seriously by customers" — The opposite is often true. Many domestic customers — particularly women living alone — specifically request female tradespeople. Women-led trade businesses report strong demand and excellent reviews.
"I'm too old to retrain" — Career changers of all ages are entering trades. Read our no experience guide for practical advice.
How to Get Started
1. Explore our career guides to find the right trade for you
2. Attend a taster session — Many colleges offer free trade taster days, some specifically for women
3. Contact Women Into Construction — They offer free guidance, training, and work placements
4. Get your CSCS card — Your first step to working on any construction site
5. Search for apprenticeships and trainee positions on UK Trade Jobs
6. Connect with other women in trades through NAWIC, Facebook groups, and Instagram communities
The trades offer financial independence, job satisfaction, and careers that can't be outsourced or automated. Don't let outdated stereotypes hold you back.
Step-by-Step Career Path
Research Trades
Explore different trades through our career guides. Consider what interests you, the training required, and earning potential.
Attend Taster Sessions
Many colleges and organisations offer free taster days specifically for women. Try before you commit.
Access Support
Contact Women Into Construction, NAWIC, or CITB for free guidance, mentoring, and potential funding.
Start Training
Apply for apprenticeships or college courses. Look for employers with diversity commitments and mentoring programmes.
Build Your Career
Qualify, gain experience, and consider specialising. Connect with networks of other women in trades for ongoing support.
Qualifications Needed
- ✓Trade-specific NVQ/City & Guilds
- ✓CSCS Card
- ✓GCSEs or Functional Skills
- ✓Trade-specific certifications (e.g., 18th Edition, Gas Safe)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry actively recruiting women — excellent opportunities
- Strong earning potential with small gender pay gap
- Growing support networks and mentoring
- High job satisfaction reported by women in trades
- Financial independence and career security
- Growing demand for female tradespeople from customers
Cons
- Still a minority — can feel isolating initially
- Some outdated attitudes persist in pockets
- Physical demands of certain trades
- Site facilities have improved but aren't always perfect
- May need thicker skin initially
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of tradespeople are women?▼
Women make up about 15% of the overall construction workforce but only 2-3% of skilled on-site trade roles. However, these numbers are growing rapidly — apprenticeship enquiries from women have increased sixfold since 2015.
Which trade is best for women?▼
There's no single best trade — it depends on your interests and strengths. Electrical work, plumbing, painting, and tiling are popular choices with growing female representation. The "best" trade is the one that excites you.
Do women earn the same as men in trades?▼
Very nearly. The gender pay gap in skilled trades is around 3%, compared to 14% nationally. Trade work is typically paid based on skill and qualifications rather than negotiation, which reduces pay inequality.
Are there grants or funding for women entering trades?▼
Yes. CITB diversity grants, Women Into Construction programmes, and college bursaries specifically support women entering the trades. Some employers also offer enhanced apprenticeship packages for underrepresented groups.
How do I deal with sexism on site?▼
While rare in modern workplaces, if you experience discrimination, report it to your employer, site manager, or industry body (CITB, relevant trade association). Legislation protects you, and the industry takes complaints seriously. Connecting with women's trade networks provides peer support and advice.
More trade guides to compare
Good next reads if you want to compare routes, pay, training or live jobs before deciding.
Advice
Trade Jobs in Birmingham: HS2 Boom & Construction Demand
Guide to trade jobs in Birmingham 2026. HS2 construction boom, massive demand for skilled trades, top employers, salaries, and opportunities in the West Midlands.
Read guide →Advice
Trade Jobs in Northern Ireland: Local Market & Employers
Guide to trade jobs in Northern Ireland 2026. Local employers, unique qualifications, salary expectations, cross-border opportunities, and getting started in NI trades.
Read guide →Advice
UK Construction Industry: Sectors, Careers and How to Get In
Everything you need to know about the UK construction industry in 2026. Major projects, career paths, employers, trends, and how to get started in construction.
Read guide →Results alert
Get trade jobs every Monday.
One email a week. We never sell or share your email. Unsubscribe in one click.
Ready to Start?
Browse live trade jobs and take the first step today.