The skilled trades have historically been male industries, often perceived as inaccessible or unwelcoming to women.
However, the tides are shifting. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the number of women working as tradespeople reached its highest level ever in 2021 with more than 314,000 female workers.
Innovation is creating new career pathways for women in these fields, particularly using online platforms that facilitate networking and mentorship. These tools break down traditional barriers, foster connections, and equip women with the necessary resources to thrive in skilled trades.
Make a Connection Through Mentoring
Networking and mentorship have long been recognized as critical career development components, particularly in industries with limited representation and inclusion. For women in the skilled trades, these connections can provide access to industry knowledge.
Mentors share personal experiences and insights about navigating the challenges of the trades, sharing experiences, offering guidance on technical skills, certifications, and, more importantly, career progression. Building confidence is one of the key components to success, therefore creating a support system for women to validate their capabilities and drive their potential.
Additionally, networking opens doors to job opportunities, apprenticeships, and collaborations that might otherwise be inaccessible. Connecting with successful women in the trades helps challenge stereotypes and paves the way for a more inclusive work environment.
Online Mentoring is Growing
While traditional mentorship often relied on in-person connections or workplace relationships, online platforms have provided access to these critical resources. Women in trades who may work in remote locations or environments with few female colleagues can connect with mentors and peers globally.
There has been such a high demand for a mentorship program that online programs had to be implemented. Platforms like Women in HVACR’s Mentor City and its Navigator mentorship program exemplify this shift by using technology to automate and streamline mentorship programs.
These platforms have provided meaningful mentorship connections ensuring that mentees and mentors are matched effectively based on their profiles, goals, and preferences.
Users create detailed profiles outlining their professional background, skills, and what they hope to achieve through mentorship while learning about leadership opportunities in the field. The platform is algorithm-based and analyzes the profiles of mentors and mentees to identify the best matches.
To ensure compatibility, the platform considers factors like industry, experience level, and personal interests. Once matched, the platform provides tools for mentees and mentors to connect, such as messaging systems, video conferencing capabilities, and discussion forums. Structured guidance offers goal-setting templates, progress-tracking tools, and conversation prompts to help mentors and mentees maximize their interactions. Additionally, users can provide feedback on their mentorship experience, allowing for adjustments to the program or the pairing if necessary. Since WHVACR has rebranded our program and implemented the technology, we have 60+ active WHVACR members benefiting from our mentoring program, 212+ mentorship meetings through the platform and countless in-person/phone meetings, and 8% engagement in the platform discussion topics.
Technology and automation create significant opportunities for women in skilled trades, such as accessibility by eliminating geographical barriers. This gives women in underserved areas access to mentors who might otherwise be out of reach. Utilizing automated matching ensures that mentees are paired with mentors who align with their goals, creating a more effective and personalized experience. Building communities with an online platform fosters a sense of community among women in skilled trades, enabling them to share experiences, celebrate successes, and support one another.
While Mentor City is a standout example, several other platforms and initiatives are leveraging innovation to support women in the skilled trades. Skilled Trades Training Platforms such as EGIA, NCI, Udemy, and Skillshare are a few that offer courses tailored to technical skills and soft skills development.
While online platforms are making strides in creating career pathways for women, challenges remain. Resistance to change within the industry, lack of awareness about available resources, and the digital divide can limit the reach of these innovations. We still need to focus on promoting awareness; companies and industry organizations must actively promote mentorship platforms and encourage participation. To foster inclusivity, employers should create supportive environments where women feel empowered to seek mentorship and advance their careers. Providing tools and training to bridge the digital divide ensures that more women can benefit from online platforms.
As technology continues to evolve, the opportunities for women in skilled trades will only expand. Virtual reality (VR) training programs, AI-driven career coaching, and blockchain credentials are just a few examples of how innovation can further dismantle barriers and enhance career pathways. The continued integration of online networking and mentorship platforms will be central to this progress.
Innovation is transforming the skilled trades industry, creating new career pathways for women through networking and mentorship facilitated by online platforms. By automating the mentorship process, platforms like Mentor City are bridging gaps, building communities, and empowering women to succeed in historically male-dominated fields. As more organizations and individuals embrace these tools, the future looks brighter for women in skilled trades, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry.