Skill trades offer opportunities for in-demand and profitable careers for those interested in working with their hands.
File Photo
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, women remain underrepresented in many skilled trades, but their presence across a wide range of industries has continued to grow over time.
“While construction remains one of the most male-dominated sectors, women are increasingly entering skilled occupations through manufacturing, transportation, utilities, healthcare, information technology, and other apprenticeship-supported career pathways,” the department said.
In 2024, 96.2% of skilled trades workers in Pa. were male, compared to 3.8% female and the state’s overall employment base that year was 51.7% male and 48.3% female, per information gathered by the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, One-Year Estimates.
Taking part in a registered apprenticeship is the primary pipeline in the state that can prepare women to enter and advance in these careers.
Still, annual participation continues to fluctuate.
The Department of Labor said as of 2025, women represented 10.0 percent of active registered apprentices—approximately 41% higher than in 2022, when women accounted for 7.1 percent of active apprentices.
While participation peaked at 14.3 percent in 2024, the Department of Labor noted the overall trend reflects Pennsylvania’s continued efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities across both traditional trades and emerging industries through targeted recruitment and expanded program offerings.
Limited awareness of apprenticeship as a career pathway, misconceptions that trades are solely jobs for men, and workplace cultures that have not always been welcoming or inclusive are just some of the barriers women have historically faced when entering skilled trade careers.
Pennsylvania’s strategy for encouraging more women to consider skilled trades as a viable career option focuses on removing those barriers, while increasing awareness and opportunity, the Department of Labor said.
For example, the Apprenticeship and Training Office works with employers, labor organizations, school districts, Career and Technical Centers, workforce boards, community organizations, and PA CareerLink® to introduce women to apprenticeship opportunities earlier and connect them with supportive career pathways.
Other key efforts include:
• expanding apprenticeship into additional occupations and industries;
• increasing outreach to women through workforce partners and schools;
• incorporating equity requirements into apprenticeship grants;
• supporting employers in creating inclusive apprenticeship programs;
• strengthening pre-apprenticeship pathways that prepare women for successful entry into registered apprenticeships.
Increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Building and Construction Trades through Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships: A grant developed and dispersed by the PA Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) utilizing state funds, meant to help expand opportunities for women in trades.
“Today’s apprenticeship system offers opportunities far beyond what many people traditionally associate with the trades. Whether someone is interested in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, information technology, education, utilities, or agriculture, there are apprenticeship pathways that provide paid employment, hands-on experience, classroom instruction, mentorship, and nationally recognized credentials.”
“As more employers recognize the value of building a diverse workforce, we’re seeing more women entering apprenticeship, succeeding in these careers, and becoming the next generation of journeyworkers, mentors, and industry leaders. Our goal is simple: ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to a pathway into a rewarding, family-sustaining career, regardless of their background,” the Department of Labor said.
Local journalism matters, and your support makes it possible. You can help sustain this work by making a donation or choosing one of our subscription options. Subscribers enjoy valuable benefits, including full access to our e-edition, a reduced ad experience on timesleader.com, and more.
Your support helps ensure independent, high-quality local news remains available today and for future generations. Thank you for standing with local journalism.