Trade Jobs for Women
The UK has a thriving construction and skilled trades industry, which offers a range of opportunities for both men and women. Read on to find out more about trade jobs for women.
In this guide, we explore some of the best trade jobs for women and discuss how the industry is changing for the better. However, before we get into that, we’ll begin by going over your rights as a worker.
Your Rights in the Workplace
UK law protects women’s rights in the workplace. Employers cannot discriminate against women when giving them a job, deciding on their pay, or promoting them. This is the case for all industries, including construction.
The Equality Act 2010 protects your rights. The act makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you because of your sex. This includes direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. For instance, an employer can’t discriminate based on you requiring Maternity Leave.
The law also requires employers to take steps to prevent any other type of discrimination in the workplace. This means that they must have policies that prohibit discrimination and ensure everyone working for a company feels included.
However, whether this happens in practice is up for debate. The gender pay gap is one of the biggest issues in the industry, with SAMS reporting that women get paid38% less than men.
Fortunately, many companies in the construction industry would definitely welcome more women. Diversity-positive employers will also ensure that women in trade jobs are paid the same as their male counterparts.
Trade Jobs for Women
Trade jobs are becoming increasingly inclusive and open to women. Here are some jobs for women in trade:
- Electrician: Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings.
- Plumber: Work with pipes and fittings to install and repair water supply and heating systems.
- Welder: Join metal parts together using heat and specialised equipment.
- Carpenter: Construct, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures.
- HVAC Technician: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
- Automotive Technician: Diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles in dealerships, repair shops, and other automotive service centres.
- Painter: Prepare surfaces and apply paint to structures, such as buildings, bridges, and equipment.
- Construction Labourer: Labourers perform various tasks on construction sites, including cleaning, moving materials, and assisting other tradespeople.
- Landscaper/Groundskeeper: Design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and golf courses.
- Mason: Work with bricks, stones, and concrete blocks to build structures like walls, chimneys, and foundations.
These trades offer inclusive employment opportunities for women in the UK, promoting diversity within the trade industry.
Finding Trade Jobs for Women
The trade industry in the UK is booming with no shortage of inclusive opportunities for women in the industry.
To find a trade job with a guaranteed diversity-positive employer, check out the Aspiring to Include jobs board. It’s packed with all the latest inclusive trade opportunities near you. All the jobs listed are open to everyone, regardless of gender and background.
You’ll also find support and resources for diverse job seekers, such as job application tips, information on flexible and remote work, and much, much more.
Want to ask a question? Feel free to get in touch with our team. And finally, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest news and inclusive opportunities from Aspiring to Include.
