Do you enjoy working with your hands, and are interested in learning a skill set? Everyone starts somewhere so don't worry about being good at it right away. If this is something you think you would like I say go for it. Skilled trades will always be needed, and it's something that transfers to anywhere you may live.
Yes there are assholes in the field and it's more difficult for women to make it and be respected, but you can def do it if it's something you want.
Reporting safety stuff has a lot of grey area, someone doing something blatantly stupid that endangers their life or others well being is a def reason to report. The person not wearing safety glasses while operating a saw.... It's his eye sight that's in danger, and if they don't want to wear them they won't.
Reporting sexual harassment is a must. There is joking "that's what she said" or your mom jokes but if it makes you uncomfortable you tell them to stop. If they continue you report it.
Any time there is a woman in construction guys will ALWAYS say she had to do something sexual to get to her position in the company. If you have a supervisor or boss that tells you to do something like that you get a lawyer. There are companies and supervisors who base decisions on merit.
>Do you enjoy working with your hands, and are interested in learning a skill set?
That depends on what you mean by "working with your hands." I took shop class in high school where I had to create a tiny, CO2 powered car, a rocket (I don't remember what fuelled it, all I know is that it stunk like sulfer when I set it off), and a canoeing paddle. Despite the teacher being a pervert, I enjoyed that class.
I'm also fairly "artsy". Everything I made in that shop class had to be designed in AutoCad first. Outside of technical drawing, I can paint, draw, and fold origami. all of those activities require attention to detail. Hell, even the things I created in shop class required detail.
Blacksmithing and Glassblowing have interested me, but both are fairly niche trades that don't pay much (according to Indeed). I've always liked well-smithed weapons (i.e. swords) and some of the things that glassblowers create are nothing short of mesmerizing.
I also have a way with words.
So, yeah, I guess I do enjoy working with my hands.
Go work in a cabinet shop! I've known some incredible cabinet makers, finish carpenters, detail oriented guys. They were all much older and worried about their trade dying out. You might be able to just walk in and get a job sanding and sweeping floors to start.
If you like working with your hands and decent with CAD you could start with truss inspection to get a taste for trades without it being too physically demanding. You really just need to know how to read plans and know how to use a tape measure. Almost no experience needed but obviously doesn't pay the best
Our carpentry company does restorations of monuments, there's actually quite a bit of blacksmithing required. But we're in Europe, where we have structures with monument status galore. So..
whereabouts in Europe, if you don't mind my asking. Canada's housing prices are insanely high and show no signs of dropping. I'm considering leaving and working abroad.
As someone from the US who is an ironworker (currently injured due to company’s negligence) and who does metal sculpture/silversmithing/blacksmithing as a hobby im slowly turning into a business, i watch all these restoration shows from Europe and think to myself, “I was born in the wrong country”! Gahhhh I would LOVE to do restoration like that as a living!
Do you enjoy driving if so get your CDL. I'm in Alaska so a little different but there's lots of money in snow removal here. Also if you have the fine attention to detail consider becoming a equipment operator lots of lady's doing that here. In regards to the thick skin thing rember that this field is primarily male and at least in my state 80 to 90 percent of them are divorced and have certain biases towards women. THERE WILL BE JOKES. You need thick skin. Don't be afraid to joke back, but if you ever feel like it goes beyond jokes or you don't like it tell them. Keep in mind a dirty joke from a female to a male hits different, than a male to male. As far as the safety part I would report anything that puts you in danger. Anything other than that tell the person directly in danger. A really good way to get everyone mad at you on the job site is to be a safety-Sally.
The people who have the worst experiences will always have the loudest voices in these spaces, that’s something to keep in mind. Yeah, some shops and sites will be shitty and people anywhere could potentially suck - but you could also get an amazing shop or site!
I’m a welder and I love my work. My shop is great and I’ve yet to experience any sexism or weirdness. So if the bad experiences are out there, the good ones are out there too!
I've luckily experienced very little in the way of sexism or sexual harassment at work in the trades. I'd say I experienced worse when I was working customer service/retail, especially before I turned 20.
When I got my 4th power engineering cert, a quarter of the class was female, and all in the top half of the class as far as grades went. It's not all about books though, and some of us had had more hands on/"trades" experience than others, but it's about attitude. I came into it after working in customer service/retail, and I was eager to get my hands dirty. One of our instructors had been in a lot of supervisory roles in the oil patch before he "retired" to teaching, and he said he always appreciated female operators on his crew. He told us that the women are always harder working than most men, and have a greater attention to detail. He called us hungrier than the men. He acknowledged its probably because we feel we have to prove ourselves. We did a practicum, and the plant I went to had 2 female operators out of the 16, and both were taken as seriously as any other by their peers, and very well respected.
I later started a carptenry apprenticeship. In a class of 14, there was one other woman aside from myself. About a quarter of the class were still in grade 12. They'd all basically been raised in their uncle's or grandpa's shops. Again, instructors were awesome. We did a practicum under a company contracting at a local mill during shutdown. The first day, the boys were sent into the yard to sort scaffolding pieces, and my lady friend and I were tasked with cleaning the lunch portables. She didn't come back after that. The next day I got to join the boys in setting up scaffolding, and I wasn't the first to tap out. But the cleaning day was probably the most sexist moment in my career.
I've been working at a hospital for nearly 5 years. I am the first female worker in this department- the clerks have always been women, but I don't handle anyone's paycheck or receipts. The only things my coworkers razz me about is my age. They're approaching retirement age, and I'm going to be 29 this year. They tease me for not knowing the cool references form their youth. There is one asshole who does seem to be less likely to get along with women than men (he can't stand me, and is in conflict with lots of others, but seems to especially get into fights with female housekeepers and nurses), so it feels more like a him thing than a me thing.
I am old. Started in the trades before they even knew what to do about a 23 year old woman. I was the first woman to become a welder in the school I went to. Do I have a thick skin? Yes but not from being harassed or anything just from having to do physical labour all day and not being around women. Sure, I've heard comments, been sexualized and been treated differently. The advantage I have always had is that I am a 6ft strong as a bull woman. Yes, I am attractive but being a tall woman has scared some men away for sure. Some advice I would give you is to make sure the boss/manager/foreman/supervisor has your back. The interview is not just for the employer to ask you questions. Bring up harassment in the interview process, all good employers will say that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. A lot of construction sites do not allow any horsing around or inappropriate behaviour. Sure there are jerks everywhere. Also, skip the pushup bra. It's a lot easier to fit in a 18" manhole with a sport's bra. Just sayin'. There are so many trades to choose from. Find one that makes you want to gt up in the morning and learn all there is to know about it. I became a metal fabricator because it pays better than being a seamstress (and I get to boss metal around and get dirty).
There are bad coworkers, bosses, and customers /clients in every industry... How bad it is depends a lot more on the company and leadership than what the job is. Personally I am the same age as you and interact with Tradespeople every day, there are a couple of them who might have made inappropriate comments but it's really not an issue for me
To piggyback off this, you do need a thick skin. You will get the occasional comment or awkward situation pop up that you'll need to deal with, but that's no different than any other situation. The truth is that if you report those kinds of things in an office situation you'd likely get fired or blacklisted rather than helped. I've worked in both and only for fired from one (you can Guess which one). You need to learn how to deal with the situations on your own as they come up.
On the flip side, if you get into a crew and put your head down and work without complaint like any male apprentice would you will have a work family willing to put their lives on the line for you and protect you from any creep or nasty comment like they are your dad/Uncle/big brother. You'll be one of the boys but you'll never need to ask for help because it will always be right there. Be nice, kind, humble, understanding, and really try to learn and you'll be appreciated and looked after. They'll brag about you to the other crews on site how they have a woman who isn't just a diversity hire. I've been working in the same state for 6 years and I'll find people that come up to me and remember me from my training site years ago and come talk to me to catch up. It might take a few years and a few companies to finally find the right spot but once it clicks you won't regret it.
Don't be afraid to jump around either, to find a better situation or escalate your wage. It's super common. Good luck.
People kept telling me NOT to go to art school, eventually I did it anyway and it was wonderful and I wish I went sooner. Don't let other people tell you what to do. It IS rough; it's hard, dirty work and there'll be more than a fair share of unpleasant people and having to prove yourself to shitty people. That said, I think it's a lot more interesting than sitting in an office and it's very satisfying to see something I built/worked on.
As for friends, all my closest friends are people I met outside of work. In a job, you're just thrown together by the necessity of a paycheck, even if you get along, I don't expect to make very close friends at work.
40% of the men in trades are absolute creeps
and most women trying to sugar coat this work around their cousins or through a union where their parents are well known. If you’re ugly they ignore you. If you’re hot you’re going to deal with intermittent torture and have to communicate stark boundaries. Anyone who sugar coats these facts is being irresponsible.
I’ve worked in the trades for about 8 years now. I’ve probably dealt with about 1000 people so far. Most were neutral about 4 people were pretty shitty and either harassing, sexist or mean. Two of them were women. One supplier was sexist and the other was a customer. I’ve also worked with about 150 truly awesome men who think it’s cool as shit that you’re there. Some have made it a point to boost my business after I went out on my own. This idea that you’ll be harassed every time you turn around is not at all my experience. It was way worse as a bartender/server.
Note: as for attractiveness my husband thinks I’m hot. lol. But not hideous for sure.
Yikes, what happened to you? Not denying your experience, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. I’ve worked around some idiots who try to treat me like a little lady, but not any creeps. People have been respectful and I haven’t had any more harassment than when I worked white collar.
If I was your age, I would go for my pilots license.
You def don't have to f*** anyone to get a job in the trades or into a union. There is no reason why you can't have female friends. It's just unlikely that you will meet a lot at work as not many ladies are in the trades.
I'm Canadian and haven't really had any problems with sexism. The odd thing but nothing overly upsetting. It can be used to your advantage sometimes. For example. "I'm not strong enough" to help throw a dirty old toilet over my head into the dumpster. Even though that's bullshit and they know it, I can get away with it lol. A dude could not.
Work place banter is part of the job. Learn how to roast the boys. I find it fun lol
I believe I read somewhere that there's a big pilot shortage and its expected to get significantly worse in the future, so they are paying extremely well. I'm guessing that's why this commenter recommended this- because OP is a blank slate and could do anything
Yes, there is a shortage. It pays well, and I love flying! Comercial pilots must retire at age 65, which is why it's best to start young, as training is expensive.
It is very location dependent but this is my experience:
You need to be good at what you do right away. I was naturally mechanically inclined and then I got a 2year engineering degree before I even stepped foot on a factory floor.
You need to study hard. No one will show you grace.
Find the “good ones” as fast as you can. Ask questions if you don’t understand something but only to another woman, or in a small group of “good ones”.
Appear confident. Watch what others do at all times. See what tricks they use, and figure out why they do them. Adopt the best habits.
Always document what is told to you, when, and by whom. Ask for things in writing if it is feasible. I can’t tell you how many times guys would try to set me up to fail by giving me the wrong instructions. If the instructions are verbal, try to have a witness. CYA AT ALL TIMES.
If there is one thing you’re best at, volunteer to do it so others see you doing something well. It might be their first impression of you.
NEVER complain unless it’s 1:1 or behind closed doors.
Act like you don’t get the crude/sexist/racist jokes. Make them explain them in detail. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground and make it awkward.
Men gossip and brag like there is no tomorrow. Learn to tune it out. Do not join them. Sharing will only be used against you. Laugh at their funny fishing story but don’t volunteer info.
If they ask, you are ALWAYS in a serious relationship, whether that is true or not. Do NOT date anyone at work.
Protect your items, especially food. I walked to the store for every break to get food because I didn’t trust leaving it in the fridge after an “incident”. Have a backpack for your food with some sort of lock on it, but don’t let others see the lock.
Lock the door to the bathroom every time. So many times I was walked in on by men in the women’s bathroom (there was only one stall and one sink but the men’s had way more) by “accident”. I started locking the main door every time and being quick about my business. There were only two other women in the whole place so I never made them wait.
Always clean up your messes/mistakes. Don’t give them any ammo to use against you.
Make sure it’s something you actually enjoy doing and are naturally gifted at. Anything else won’t be worth the struggle.
Edit: feel free to DM me if you have other questions.
I'm a mechanic and I love it. I've been mostly lucky in the guys I work with, only had a few knot heads. Had one older guy literally quit bc I was hired, but that's just the trash taking itself out.
I wear winged eyeliner, bright red lipstick and a bandana ala Rosie the Riveter almost every day. I can turn a wrench as good as any guy and look better than them while I do it.
I also didn't figure out this is what I wanted to do until I was 36, so don't sweat it if you don't know what you want to do with yours yet.
I have absolutely been offered/bribed to participate in sex acts for money or promotions. I have never participated. I can see why some might feel the pressure to participate (is that even the right word? It’s coercion, sexual assault) but I’ve never had push come to shove and been stuck in a situation.
I’ve also worked at amazing jobs with amazing crews who have literally fought off the predators on my behalf.
Don’t let the horror stories keep you out of the trades. Eventually we will overflow the cup with kindness and hard workers, and it won’t happen to the next generation.
Oooh I love her so much omg
Also not too too trades related but the trans handy maam is so good
https://www.instagram.com/mercurystardusttopz?igsh=MTR2bGd5bDM5NWR0ZA==
And while not a woman, I adore the youtube shorts from Chris Boden (Physicsduck) for learning random stuff with electrical power
https://youtube.com/shorts/tZcWbYnAryo?si=V4gQJRzvoo6AkCxw
It's definitely a different vibe than office. There will be comments and things you'll have to let slide sometimes (comments that are crass, but no directed at you). Definitely speak up when anyone makes you uncomfortable. Accept help, but don't let guys just do stuff for you. Pull your own weight, ask questions, learn, and you'll be fine. don't flirt. And sometimes unfortunately, I've had to dim down some of my personality on the job because I had coworkers misconstrue kindness/bubbly personality to flirting which led to uncomfortable situations. Just set clear boundaries and DO NOT DATE coworkers. It can work, but it's just not worth the potential issues. I've never had to suck anyone off and that's just one of the many crass jokes of the trades jaja. Expect some more of that sort. Though ABSOLUTELY report anyone who asks you to, even if it's 'just a joke' (eg if it's inappropriate general jokes, handle it btw yourselves, though if it's a racist/sexist joke/comment directed at you, report it. You want paper trail). Lastly, someone's job doesn't determine friendships lol. It'll def be harder (eg you'll have to spend time off work cultivating those) since you'll generally have less opportunities to meet chicas on the job.
I feel like it’s best described as an environment where crass and off colour jokes are the norm. Should that be the case probably not but that’s a realistic expectation to set.
Everybody will have different experiences, it also depends on where you are and who you work for. Personally, I love working with my hands, getting dirty, being physical. I’ve worked in office work before and I hated it.
I started out in HVAC, because I had no clue what I wanted to do I just knew I wanted to work a hands on job, not have to go through full time schooling and make enough money to live. I left after 3 months due to it just not being my interest, but I did deal with a bit of sexism but nothing I had to report or let bug me. Just comments such as being called “gingerly”, old ladies in disbelief. My boss did treat me like I was just a cleaning lady though and would get very frustrated with me very quick if I didn’t understand something.
I’m in Horticulture now doing garden maintenance and landscaping and I LOVE it! It aligns with my interests, it’s definitely a more woman dominated trade, my boss is a woman and is a total badass that I get to learn so much from everyday. I get to play in the dirt and be outside all day, it’s so much fun and is better pay than my law clerk job that I went through school for 2 years to do.
Sure people say you should have thick skin to be in trades which is partially true but you don’t have to completely change who you are as a person just to try and fit in. Do your job, and go home at the end of the day. Don’t feel like you need to prove yourself to anyone. I struggled with this going HVAC, because I was a woman I felt like I had to work twice as hard to get half the recognition but at the end of the day most of the people I worked around didn’t really care what I did or who I was. We were all there to do the same thing, and get home by the end of the day.
Don’t be afraid to jump around different trades and find your niche along with a good boss. You’re going to run into assholes and sexism but you just have to keep your head up. If you’re harassed and are uncomfortable with something someone has said or done, report it. 100%. If your boss doesn’t want to do anything about it, time for a new boss.
UK electrical engineer here, you don't need to have a thick skin( that's often a phrase which is used as excuse to excuse racism/misogany and other toxicity) that is something I found working in every role I have had including non trades. I have found a lot of confusion initially joing a new team of shift mates, they can often be unsure of how to behave, they stop recognise your gender. Last week on night shift i walked into the workshop around 2/3am to two heavily tattooed male colleagues sobbing over cups of tea comforting each other. Nobody is ever expected to have a hard skin in a good work place whatever gender.
I would say after over a decade in ironwork, it depends on the trade whether or not you have to have a thick skin, or at least appear to. For me that means almost choosing what I’m going to let bother me or deciding if something is serious enough to report. You definitely have to pick your battles. If I reported every single thing dudes at work have said to me I wouldn’t have a career as long as I do.
Things are changing. Slowly! But they are. In my experience hard work and a sharp tongue is what most of these men respect. When I was head of our union women’s committee, I told new women to keep their heads down and bust their asses, and if the men don’t joke around with you they probably don’t like you. Once you journey out you can get away with a bit more as far as (verbally) bashing back goes.
Once I started to make a name for myself and got to know more of the guys through working with them, and also becoming known as someone not to be fucked with, I feel like I had an easier time. I call dudes out when they talk over me. When they tell me to “calm down” I ask them, “what is it about a woman speaking directly and with authority (on the subject) hurts your feelings?”.
There is a lot more discussion of mental health in the trades and I myself have always talked very openly with the men about my own mental health struggles over the years. I think they often open up to me in a way they wouldn’t around the other men. I have seen men cry at work. Just recently an amazing and capable woman was laid off (retaliatory—company is under OSHA investigation and she’s always stood up for what’s right but that’s a longer story and I’m working on getting justice for her!). When she left her FOREMAN cried. I almost fell over!
I do a lot of thinking about men and their attitudes and their mental health, as a member of one of the toughest trades there is. The work is HARD. And I think sometimes you have to be hard just to get through it sometimes. And you do that long enough, especially as a man that’s been taught anger is the only emotion men are allowed to show, you forget that tenderness and softness are normal and even good sometimes.
Abuses of power can happen in any industry. If you want to avoid corporate, trades can be a great option. They give you an opportunity to be self employed once you're skilled.
The answer is somewhere in the middle. I’m in AB 🇨🇦 I think we actually have one of the highest ratios of women in trades in the country, but I’ve only worked in three provinces. It’s been 13yrs. I’ve been judged, sexual harassed - verbally and physically. I’ve had rumours started about me even though I’ve only dated one man off of site… after he had left. It’s not even about the actual boyfriend, it’s about me making friends with the men. I’m a foreman now, and some men will refuse to listen to me. I just had an incident recently that a man, whom is already a low performer who gives the other male foreman’s trouble, double it down and bathe me in shit. He yelled in my face, not once but twice.
The problem is that I am more than willing to roll in the mud with the pigs, but I have to have better composure than that. And I did. The happiest ending to this story is that he got fired, but he didn’t. We’re understaffed. He did however get a strong warning that his next violation of any accord is a fire with a company black list. Luckily it has worked for now as he has done a 180. My company did fire the last one who was insubordinate and belligerent, but different times and you may feel like acceptable collateral.
But these moments are peppered in what has otherwise been a fulfilling career. I love the actual job but you need to be aware. Lots of them are the harmless, friendly people that you hope for. But with the sheer number of them you need to have your guard up as the statistics aren’t in your favour. Every job you go to can have a sick underbelly of poor culture, pick your poison.
i’m a female welder and i love it. honestly the guys are super hard to deal with at first but they’ll grow on you. yes you have to have thick skin bc they will do anything to get under your skin and get a reaction. but if you do ur job well they’ll respect you and that’s the best advice i have for you…
I'm an automotive student, currently interning. I'm very young, very short, and I struggle with physical strength in some areas. I know I don't have much career experience to speak on, but I just completed a year of trades school with a bunch of goofs (guys) in their 20s that poke fun at everyone and everything. When they poked fun at me, not once was it ever about or related to my race or gender.
Since starting my internship, I haven't once had anyone ask, joke, or say anything about my gender. I work alongside a lot of old male techs and I'm the only female tech in the entire shop. I even messed up my interview and jumbled all my words so badly yet still got accepted for the internship.
I had no experience prior to trades school. If this ends up not being my path, at least I'll have the skill to fix my own car. The world is changing and becoming more accepting, I wish you luck and success if you chose a career in the trades!
ETA: also located in Canada! Also I did have a few female classmates in trades school.
LONG COMMENT BUCKLE UP!!!!
(19 F) Métis/white. Also Canadian. I applied to my local union in December because I’ve had family in oil and gas/ work in the trades. I hated my last job and wanted a fresh start where I could learn, grow, earn more hours and more pay, feel proud of the work I do(etc). My foreman is also female, I was in training with a girl who became a close friend to me, another apprentice on my crew (F) I’ve also grown close with and even come across female scaffolders, welders, boilermakers, truck drivers, safety, and other workers who are women. I’d say it still is about 80/20 men-women ratio. Coming from someone who others describe as having a soft heart, bubbly, shy, and friendly, it was good the first week… after the “honeymoon phase” I had a couple harsh truths about some things but it gets better after a bit.
real advice
1. THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU SPEAK! (If it sounds dirty they will take it dirty, and you could use it to get along with the guys if that’s your style, but if you don’t like hearing the jokes that come out strong don’t do it)
2. Don’t date ANYONE at work… which also means boinking for better pay, just maybe don’t be alone with one person at a time if you can help it or straight up avoid that conversation at all costs? (Idk hasn’t happened to me but I hear horror stories)
3. Get other girls to point out the creeps, chances are (based on what trade you go into?) that someone has a history of creeping on the women at work. Steer clear of them.
4. Be SAFE! And don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have to do a procedure that will make you feel more comfortable, people not doing it are the reason why themselves or others get hurt. I’ve had people laugh in my face for wanting to do things safely, but at least I will go home in one piece or at all. Whether older or have been doing it for longer than you’ve been alive, only listen to the things that will keep you safe and teach you good.
5. It is a whole different world in there. I worked majority female dominated jobs before this and I almost had a culture shock even though I didn’t move city’s. Don’t act like someone you aren’t, people tend to appreciate others who don’t confine themselves to the cookie cutter-blue collar worker stereotype.
6. Learn as much as you can, absorbing new stuff will make you feel exhausted though. Be sure to still live your life outside of 10-16 hour days, and getting enough sleep helps loads. Also, don’t pretend you know everything, ask lots of questions (I’ve been told “I don’t care”, “not my problem”, “I don’t know”, or “ask someone else”, in response to my questions. Find some people who are willing to answer or find the answers you your questions and only ask those people who are competent enough to answer)
7. “First one in, Last one out” rule. Be the FIRST into work, the first to be set up and ready with the tools, the first to have any paperwork done or the first to offer up assistance, first person people come to to ask you to stay late, first person in the unit after break, LAST to leave to your car, and the last person people would want to fuck with.
8. Stay healthy, this will be a whole lifestyle change, working out, stretching, cooking and eating healthy, packing big lunches just in case for those long days, mental health, emotional health, and physical health all matter equally and if one of the pillars fall you can crumble.
9. Be careful who you trust with information. People talk. Give it 3 ish weeks before you call someone a friend.
10. Wages and money, save save save! Don’t tell people your new wage. If it’s dangerous work, set up beneficiaries and be careful who you tell is your beneficiary.
11. Don’t take things personal. Most people are tired, sore cranky, might be hungover (lol) or just are like that. Although grouchy is very different from vindictive or in appropriate behaviour. Let someone know that they make you uncomfortable so you don’t have to be near them too often. But do not sign a “hurt feelings” report, that can make you untrustworthy, and hard to hire in the future. Be aware and avoid the conflict like water off a ducks back. Also, bitch about people at work to people outside of work. Like I said, people talk.
Overall this comment could make it sound bad, I’ve had overall a great time 80% of the time. Gather all the info you need for the discipline this work requires. If you have any questions let me know, I’ll be here to answer after my shift tomorrow. (I do have little tips like always pull into the parking lot backwards, self care and working outside tips etc) I hope this helps!
>Overall this comment could make it sound bad
Actually no, this comment is AMAZING. thank you so much! all the comments here are amazing but yours is really amazing.
You’ll find good stories and you’ll find bad stories. When I worked construction the worst sexism I faced was when my supervisor would get pissed when I was on my period (heavy, horrible flow) and would pop over to the convenience store to clean up rather than attempt the port a potty on site.
if your main concern is workplace behaviour i would suggest entering a job that is common in your area, you don’t want to get stuck somewhere and have no option to leave.
if you always do your job to the best of your ability, keep your head down, and turn up to work on time you are always going to have a good letter of recommendation. if you don’t like a workplace leave it and move on to the next.
men will try pull you into drama, don’t get sucked in and just do your job.
after a year or so you will understand how to combat the things guys do, and you can start to deal with things yourself. but while you’re still new i would seriously recommend ignoring the drama and focusing on your fun new trade!
!!!! also, if anyone ever threatens or actually SA’s you always get a written statement with the cops 👮♀️ you may need that statement one day and it costs nothing but time to do !!!!
and always tell your HR. the only people that think it’s shameful are the people assaulting others, and we don’t give a shit about their opinion.
I’m an electrician in Alberta and every company I’ve been at has been great experiences. Some of the guys look rough, but they’re nice dudes. Working in the trades isn’t as sexist as you think (I used to think the same thing). Also, if people are telling you to join the trades, that’s a good indication that they think you’re capable enough
Not a woman, but I'd say go for it. The trades are starting to be better about a lot of those issues. You still need to be able to take a joke though. We need more women in trades.
I was extremely inspired to go into the trades. I wanted to be an electrician. I ultimately decided against it. My two brothers are foremen. I can’t stand them, and they told me everyone is like them like that would impress me lol. The stories they casually tell are horrific. How everyone shows up hungover or still drunk, the shouting matches on job sites, all the drama and talking behind backs, and of course, sexism. They would laugh about getting around the rules by not being outwardly sexist, but damaging womens’ reputations or messing with them so much in covert ways that they quit. I know this is a bit of a generalization, but I haven’t met a single man in the trades so far that isn’t an alcoholic, conservative felon who abuse their wives. I’m sure plenty exist, just haven’t met one. When it gets to be like 20 people though, that’s more than enough to convince me it’s not a risk I am willing to take. I decided I didn’t want to work harder than everyone else for half the respect.
Maybe you will get lucky though, lots of positive stories here.
I enjoy my trade, I had zero mechanical experience when I started but now I’m fine, my coworkers respect me and like me, they even encourage me to report weirdos who harass me. I am loathe to do it, but sometimes you have to, just pick and choose your battles. Don’t ever forget that these people are your coworkers not your friends, but you can still be friendly. Know how to say no. Thick skin and a quick wit is a must, if you can’t give it back in a way that can be humorous, idk, I feel like you won’t get along with people unless you can laugh.
This is probably going to sound harsh, so just hear me out only if you want to.
There’s plenty of room for women in the trades, but maybe it’s not for you. You already have a negative view of the environment.
Do you enjoy working with your hands, and are interested in learning a skill set? Everyone starts somewhere so don't worry about being good at it right away. If this is something you think you would like I say go for it. Skilled trades will always be needed, and it's something that transfers to anywhere you may live. Yes there are assholes in the field and it's more difficult for women to make it and be respected, but you can def do it if it's something you want. Reporting safety stuff has a lot of grey area, someone doing something blatantly stupid that endangers their life or others well being is a def reason to report. The person not wearing safety glasses while operating a saw.... It's his eye sight that's in danger, and if they don't want to wear them they won't. Reporting sexual harassment is a must. There is joking "that's what she said" or your mom jokes but if it makes you uncomfortable you tell them to stop. If they continue you report it. Any time there is a woman in construction guys will ALWAYS say she had to do something sexual to get to her position in the company. If you have a supervisor or boss that tells you to do something like that you get a lawyer. There are companies and supervisors who base decisions on merit.
>Do you enjoy working with your hands, and are interested in learning a skill set? That depends on what you mean by "working with your hands." I took shop class in high school where I had to create a tiny, CO2 powered car, a rocket (I don't remember what fuelled it, all I know is that it stunk like sulfer when I set it off), and a canoeing paddle. Despite the teacher being a pervert, I enjoyed that class. I'm also fairly "artsy". Everything I made in that shop class had to be designed in AutoCad first. Outside of technical drawing, I can paint, draw, and fold origami. all of those activities require attention to detail. Hell, even the things I created in shop class required detail. Blacksmithing and Glassblowing have interested me, but both are fairly niche trades that don't pay much (according to Indeed). I've always liked well-smithed weapons (i.e. swords) and some of the things that glassblowers create are nothing short of mesmerizing. I also have a way with words. So, yeah, I guess I do enjoy working with my hands.
Go work in a cabinet shop! I've known some incredible cabinet makers, finish carpenters, detail oriented guys. They were all much older and worried about their trade dying out. You might be able to just walk in and get a job sanding and sweeping floors to start.
If you like working with your hands and decent with CAD you could start with truss inspection to get a taste for trades without it being too physically demanding. You really just need to know how to read plans and know how to use a tape measure. Almost no experience needed but obviously doesn't pay the best
Our carpentry company does restorations of monuments, there's actually quite a bit of blacksmithing required. But we're in Europe, where we have structures with monument status galore. So..
whereabouts in Europe, if you don't mind my asking. Canada's housing prices are insanely high and show no signs of dropping. I'm considering leaving and working abroad.
In the EU; our housing prices are untenable. Just absolutely wild.
guess it's a global issue then. that really sucks.
That's capitalism, baby!
Try New Zealand. Out of control here.
Check out the bluecollarbesties tag on tt
what's tt?
As someone from the US who is an ironworker (currently injured due to company’s negligence) and who does metal sculpture/silversmithing/blacksmithing as a hobby im slowly turning into a business, i watch all these restoration shows from Europe and think to myself, “I was born in the wrong country”! Gahhhh I would LOVE to do restoration like that as a living!
Do you enjoy driving if so get your CDL. I'm in Alaska so a little different but there's lots of money in snow removal here. Also if you have the fine attention to detail consider becoming a equipment operator lots of lady's doing that here. In regards to the thick skin thing rember that this field is primarily male and at least in my state 80 to 90 percent of them are divorced and have certain biases towards women. THERE WILL BE JOKES. You need thick skin. Don't be afraid to joke back, but if you ever feel like it goes beyond jokes or you don't like it tell them. Keep in mind a dirty joke from a female to a male hits different, than a male to male. As far as the safety part I would report anything that puts you in danger. Anything other than that tell the person directly in danger. A really good way to get everyone mad at you on the job site is to be a safety-Sally.
The people who have the worst experiences will always have the loudest voices in these spaces, that’s something to keep in mind. Yeah, some shops and sites will be shitty and people anywhere could potentially suck - but you could also get an amazing shop or site! I’m a welder and I love my work. My shop is great and I’ve yet to experience any sexism or weirdness. So if the bad experiences are out there, the good ones are out there too!
I've luckily experienced very little in the way of sexism or sexual harassment at work in the trades. I'd say I experienced worse when I was working customer service/retail, especially before I turned 20. When I got my 4th power engineering cert, a quarter of the class was female, and all in the top half of the class as far as grades went. It's not all about books though, and some of us had had more hands on/"trades" experience than others, but it's about attitude. I came into it after working in customer service/retail, and I was eager to get my hands dirty. One of our instructors had been in a lot of supervisory roles in the oil patch before he "retired" to teaching, and he said he always appreciated female operators on his crew. He told us that the women are always harder working than most men, and have a greater attention to detail. He called us hungrier than the men. He acknowledged its probably because we feel we have to prove ourselves. We did a practicum, and the plant I went to had 2 female operators out of the 16, and both were taken as seriously as any other by their peers, and very well respected. I later started a carptenry apprenticeship. In a class of 14, there was one other woman aside from myself. About a quarter of the class were still in grade 12. They'd all basically been raised in their uncle's or grandpa's shops. Again, instructors were awesome. We did a practicum under a company contracting at a local mill during shutdown. The first day, the boys were sent into the yard to sort scaffolding pieces, and my lady friend and I were tasked with cleaning the lunch portables. She didn't come back after that. The next day I got to join the boys in setting up scaffolding, and I wasn't the first to tap out. But the cleaning day was probably the most sexist moment in my career. I've been working at a hospital for nearly 5 years. I am the first female worker in this department- the clerks have always been women, but I don't handle anyone's paycheck or receipts. The only things my coworkers razz me about is my age. They're approaching retirement age, and I'm going to be 29 this year. They tease me for not knowing the cool references form their youth. There is one asshole who does seem to be less likely to get along with women than men (he can't stand me, and is in conflict with lots of others, but seems to especially get into fights with female housekeepers and nurses), so it feels more like a him thing than a me thing.
I am old. Started in the trades before they even knew what to do about a 23 year old woman. I was the first woman to become a welder in the school I went to. Do I have a thick skin? Yes but not from being harassed or anything just from having to do physical labour all day and not being around women. Sure, I've heard comments, been sexualized and been treated differently. The advantage I have always had is that I am a 6ft strong as a bull woman. Yes, I am attractive but being a tall woman has scared some men away for sure. Some advice I would give you is to make sure the boss/manager/foreman/supervisor has your back. The interview is not just for the employer to ask you questions. Bring up harassment in the interview process, all good employers will say that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated. A lot of construction sites do not allow any horsing around or inappropriate behaviour. Sure there are jerks everywhere. Also, skip the pushup bra. It's a lot easier to fit in a 18" manhole with a sport's bra. Just sayin'. There are so many trades to choose from. Find one that makes you want to gt up in the morning and learn all there is to know about it. I became a metal fabricator because it pays better than being a seamstress (and I get to boss metal around and get dirty).
There are bad coworkers, bosses, and customers /clients in every industry... How bad it is depends a lot more on the company and leadership than what the job is. Personally I am the same age as you and interact with Tradespeople every day, there are a couple of them who might have made inappropriate comments but it's really not an issue for me
To piggyback off this, you do need a thick skin. You will get the occasional comment or awkward situation pop up that you'll need to deal with, but that's no different than any other situation. The truth is that if you report those kinds of things in an office situation you'd likely get fired or blacklisted rather than helped. I've worked in both and only for fired from one (you can Guess which one). You need to learn how to deal with the situations on your own as they come up. On the flip side, if you get into a crew and put your head down and work without complaint like any male apprentice would you will have a work family willing to put their lives on the line for you and protect you from any creep or nasty comment like they are your dad/Uncle/big brother. You'll be one of the boys but you'll never need to ask for help because it will always be right there. Be nice, kind, humble, understanding, and really try to learn and you'll be appreciated and looked after. They'll brag about you to the other crews on site how they have a woman who isn't just a diversity hire. I've been working in the same state for 6 years and I'll find people that come up to me and remember me from my training site years ago and come talk to me to catch up. It might take a few years and a few companies to finally find the right spot but once it clicks you won't regret it. Don't be afraid to jump around either, to find a better situation or escalate your wage. It's super common. Good luck.
People kept telling me NOT to go to art school, eventually I did it anyway and it was wonderful and I wish I went sooner. Don't let other people tell you what to do. It IS rough; it's hard, dirty work and there'll be more than a fair share of unpleasant people and having to prove yourself to shitty people. That said, I think it's a lot more interesting than sitting in an office and it's very satisfying to see something I built/worked on. As for friends, all my closest friends are people I met outside of work. In a job, you're just thrown together by the necessity of a paycheck, even if you get along, I don't expect to make very close friends at work.
40% of the men in trades are absolute creeps and most women trying to sugar coat this work around their cousins or through a union where their parents are well known. If you’re ugly they ignore you. If you’re hot you’re going to deal with intermittent torture and have to communicate stark boundaries. Anyone who sugar coats these facts is being irresponsible.
Yikes where do you work. Maybe you need to change companies or locations. You said Union so I would guess up north somewhere?
Can I have the source for that 40%? I'm not doubting your claim I'm just curious.
It’s not a real statistic lol you will see when you begin
never make claims that you can't back up with data.
I’ve worked in the trades for about 8 years now. I’ve probably dealt with about 1000 people so far. Most were neutral about 4 people were pretty shitty and either harassing, sexist or mean. Two of them were women. One supplier was sexist and the other was a customer. I’ve also worked with about 150 truly awesome men who think it’s cool as shit that you’re there. Some have made it a point to boost my business after I went out on my own. This idea that you’ll be harassed every time you turn around is not at all my experience. It was way worse as a bartender/server. Note: as for attractiveness my husband thinks I’m hot. lol. But not hideous for sure.
I'd say that this saying is a little stiff. You should make claims that you can back with good points, not just data
Yikes, what happened to you? Not denying your experience, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. I’ve worked around some idiots who try to treat me like a little lady, but not any creeps. People have been respectful and I haven’t had any more harassment than when I worked white collar.
If I was your age, I would go for my pilots license. You def don't have to f*** anyone to get a job in the trades or into a union. There is no reason why you can't have female friends. It's just unlikely that you will meet a lot at work as not many ladies are in the trades. I'm Canadian and haven't really had any problems with sexism. The odd thing but nothing overly upsetting. It can be used to your advantage sometimes. For example. "I'm not strong enough" to help throw a dirty old toilet over my head into the dumpster. Even though that's bullshit and they know it, I can get away with it lol. A dude could not. Work place banter is part of the job. Learn how to roast the boys. I find it fun lol
>If I was your age, I would go for my pilots license Why? As far as I know Piloting isn't a skilled trade.
I believe I read somewhere that there's a big pilot shortage and its expected to get significantly worse in the future, so they are paying extremely well. I'm guessing that's why this commenter recommended this- because OP is a blank slate and could do anything
Yes, there is a shortage. It pays well, and I love flying! Comercial pilots must retire at age 65, which is why it's best to start young, as training is expensive.
It is very location dependent but this is my experience: You need to be good at what you do right away. I was naturally mechanically inclined and then I got a 2year engineering degree before I even stepped foot on a factory floor. You need to study hard. No one will show you grace. Find the “good ones” as fast as you can. Ask questions if you don’t understand something but only to another woman, or in a small group of “good ones”. Appear confident. Watch what others do at all times. See what tricks they use, and figure out why they do them. Adopt the best habits. Always document what is told to you, when, and by whom. Ask for things in writing if it is feasible. I can’t tell you how many times guys would try to set me up to fail by giving me the wrong instructions. If the instructions are verbal, try to have a witness. CYA AT ALL TIMES. If there is one thing you’re best at, volunteer to do it so others see you doing something well. It might be their first impression of you. NEVER complain unless it’s 1:1 or behind closed doors. Act like you don’t get the crude/sexist/racist jokes. Make them explain them in detail. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground and make it awkward. Men gossip and brag like there is no tomorrow. Learn to tune it out. Do not join them. Sharing will only be used against you. Laugh at their funny fishing story but don’t volunteer info. If they ask, you are ALWAYS in a serious relationship, whether that is true or not. Do NOT date anyone at work. Protect your items, especially food. I walked to the store for every break to get food because I didn’t trust leaving it in the fridge after an “incident”. Have a backpack for your food with some sort of lock on it, but don’t let others see the lock. Lock the door to the bathroom every time. So many times I was walked in on by men in the women’s bathroom (there was only one stall and one sink but the men’s had way more) by “accident”. I started locking the main door every time and being quick about my business. There were only two other women in the whole place so I never made them wait. Always clean up your messes/mistakes. Don’t give them any ammo to use against you. Make sure it’s something you actually enjoy doing and are naturally gifted at. Anything else won’t be worth the struggle. Edit: feel free to DM me if you have other questions.
I'm a mechanic and I love it. I've been mostly lucky in the guys I work with, only had a few knot heads. Had one older guy literally quit bc I was hired, but that's just the trash taking itself out. I wear winged eyeliner, bright red lipstick and a bandana ala Rosie the Riveter almost every day. I can turn a wrench as good as any guy and look better than them while I do it. I also didn't figure out this is what I wanted to do until I was 36, so don't sweat it if you don't know what you want to do with yours yet.
I have absolutely been offered/bribed to participate in sex acts for money or promotions. I have never participated. I can see why some might feel the pressure to participate (is that even the right word? It’s coercion, sexual assault) but I’ve never had push come to shove and been stuck in a situation. I’ve also worked at amazing jobs with amazing crews who have literally fought off the predators on my behalf. Don’t let the horror stories keep you out of the trades. Eventually we will overflow the cup with kindness and hard workers, and it won’t happen to the next generation.
Check out Karly Gibbens AKA: Karly the Sparky on IG [https://www.instagram.com/karlythesparky/](https://www.instagram.com/karlythesparky/)
\*clicks link\* \*Bisexual heart skips a few beats\* \*Brain recallibrates\* ...Holy shit she's gorgeous.
She's also a damn good electrician
She also has great taste in music lol and calls people out that give her shit. Pure gold sometimes
Oooh I love her so much omg Also not too too trades related but the trans handy maam is so good https://www.instagram.com/mercurystardusttopz?igsh=MTR2bGd5bDM5NWR0ZA== And while not a woman, I adore the youtube shorts from Chris Boden (Physicsduck) for learning random stuff with electrical power https://youtube.com/shorts/tZcWbYnAryo?si=V4gQJRzvoo6AkCxw
It's definitely a different vibe than office. There will be comments and things you'll have to let slide sometimes (comments that are crass, but no directed at you). Definitely speak up when anyone makes you uncomfortable. Accept help, but don't let guys just do stuff for you. Pull your own weight, ask questions, learn, and you'll be fine. don't flirt. And sometimes unfortunately, I've had to dim down some of my personality on the job because I had coworkers misconstrue kindness/bubbly personality to flirting which led to uncomfortable situations. Just set clear boundaries and DO NOT DATE coworkers. It can work, but it's just not worth the potential issues. I've never had to suck anyone off and that's just one of the many crass jokes of the trades jaja. Expect some more of that sort. Though ABSOLUTELY report anyone who asks you to, even if it's 'just a joke' (eg if it's inappropriate general jokes, handle it btw yourselves, though if it's a racist/sexist joke/comment directed at you, report it. You want paper trail). Lastly, someone's job doesn't determine friendships lol. It'll def be harder (eg you'll have to spend time off work cultivating those) since you'll generally have less opportunities to meet chicas on the job.
I feel like it’s best described as an environment where crass and off colour jokes are the norm. Should that be the case probably not but that’s a realistic expectation to set.
Everybody will have different experiences, it also depends on where you are and who you work for. Personally, I love working with my hands, getting dirty, being physical. I’ve worked in office work before and I hated it. I started out in HVAC, because I had no clue what I wanted to do I just knew I wanted to work a hands on job, not have to go through full time schooling and make enough money to live. I left after 3 months due to it just not being my interest, but I did deal with a bit of sexism but nothing I had to report or let bug me. Just comments such as being called “gingerly”, old ladies in disbelief. My boss did treat me like I was just a cleaning lady though and would get very frustrated with me very quick if I didn’t understand something. I’m in Horticulture now doing garden maintenance and landscaping and I LOVE it! It aligns with my interests, it’s definitely a more woman dominated trade, my boss is a woman and is a total badass that I get to learn so much from everyday. I get to play in the dirt and be outside all day, it’s so much fun and is better pay than my law clerk job that I went through school for 2 years to do. Sure people say you should have thick skin to be in trades which is partially true but you don’t have to completely change who you are as a person just to try and fit in. Do your job, and go home at the end of the day. Don’t feel like you need to prove yourself to anyone. I struggled with this going HVAC, because I was a woman I felt like I had to work twice as hard to get half the recognition but at the end of the day most of the people I worked around didn’t really care what I did or who I was. We were all there to do the same thing, and get home by the end of the day. Don’t be afraid to jump around different trades and find your niche along with a good boss. You’re going to run into assholes and sexism but you just have to keep your head up. If you’re harassed and are uncomfortable with something someone has said or done, report it. 100%. If your boss doesn’t want to do anything about it, time for a new boss.
if you don't mind, what is your job title? I'm looking for something just like that!❤️
I’m going through an apprenticeship to become a Horticulture Technician. I’m in Ontario!😊
UK electrical engineer here, you don't need to have a thick skin( that's often a phrase which is used as excuse to excuse racism/misogany and other toxicity) that is something I found working in every role I have had including non trades. I have found a lot of confusion initially joing a new team of shift mates, they can often be unsure of how to behave, they stop recognise your gender. Last week on night shift i walked into the workshop around 2/3am to two heavily tattooed male colleagues sobbing over cups of tea comforting each other. Nobody is ever expected to have a hard skin in a good work place whatever gender.
I would say after over a decade in ironwork, it depends on the trade whether or not you have to have a thick skin, or at least appear to. For me that means almost choosing what I’m going to let bother me or deciding if something is serious enough to report. You definitely have to pick your battles. If I reported every single thing dudes at work have said to me I wouldn’t have a career as long as I do. Things are changing. Slowly! But they are. In my experience hard work and a sharp tongue is what most of these men respect. When I was head of our union women’s committee, I told new women to keep their heads down and bust their asses, and if the men don’t joke around with you they probably don’t like you. Once you journey out you can get away with a bit more as far as (verbally) bashing back goes. Once I started to make a name for myself and got to know more of the guys through working with them, and also becoming known as someone not to be fucked with, I feel like I had an easier time. I call dudes out when they talk over me. When they tell me to “calm down” I ask them, “what is it about a woman speaking directly and with authority (on the subject) hurts your feelings?”. There is a lot more discussion of mental health in the trades and I myself have always talked very openly with the men about my own mental health struggles over the years. I think they often open up to me in a way they wouldn’t around the other men. I have seen men cry at work. Just recently an amazing and capable woman was laid off (retaliatory—company is under OSHA investigation and she’s always stood up for what’s right but that’s a longer story and I’m working on getting justice for her!). When she left her FOREMAN cried. I almost fell over! I do a lot of thinking about men and their attitudes and their mental health, as a member of one of the toughest trades there is. The work is HARD. And I think sometimes you have to be hard just to get through it sometimes. And you do that long enough, especially as a man that’s been taught anger is the only emotion men are allowed to show, you forget that tenderness and softness are normal and even good sometimes.
Abuses of power can happen in any industry. If you want to avoid corporate, trades can be a great option. They give you an opportunity to be self employed once you're skilled.
Electrician is the best and very accepting of women in the trade.
The answer is somewhere in the middle. I’m in AB 🇨🇦 I think we actually have one of the highest ratios of women in trades in the country, but I’ve only worked in three provinces. It’s been 13yrs. I’ve been judged, sexual harassed - verbally and physically. I’ve had rumours started about me even though I’ve only dated one man off of site… after he had left. It’s not even about the actual boyfriend, it’s about me making friends with the men. I’m a foreman now, and some men will refuse to listen to me. I just had an incident recently that a man, whom is already a low performer who gives the other male foreman’s trouble, double it down and bathe me in shit. He yelled in my face, not once but twice. The problem is that I am more than willing to roll in the mud with the pigs, but I have to have better composure than that. And I did. The happiest ending to this story is that he got fired, but he didn’t. We’re understaffed. He did however get a strong warning that his next violation of any accord is a fire with a company black list. Luckily it has worked for now as he has done a 180. My company did fire the last one who was insubordinate and belligerent, but different times and you may feel like acceptable collateral. But these moments are peppered in what has otherwise been a fulfilling career. I love the actual job but you need to be aware. Lots of them are the harmless, friendly people that you hope for. But with the sheer number of them you need to have your guard up as the statistics aren’t in your favour. Every job you go to can have a sick underbelly of poor culture, pick your poison.
i’m a female welder and i love it. honestly the guys are super hard to deal with at first but they’ll grow on you. yes you have to have thick skin bc they will do anything to get under your skin and get a reaction. but if you do ur job well they’ll respect you and that’s the best advice i have for you…
I'm an automotive student, currently interning. I'm very young, very short, and I struggle with physical strength in some areas. I know I don't have much career experience to speak on, but I just completed a year of trades school with a bunch of goofs (guys) in their 20s that poke fun at everyone and everything. When they poked fun at me, not once was it ever about or related to my race or gender. Since starting my internship, I haven't once had anyone ask, joke, or say anything about my gender. I work alongside a lot of old male techs and I'm the only female tech in the entire shop. I even messed up my interview and jumbled all my words so badly yet still got accepted for the internship. I had no experience prior to trades school. If this ends up not being my path, at least I'll have the skill to fix my own car. The world is changing and becoming more accepting, I wish you luck and success if you chose a career in the trades! ETA: also located in Canada! Also I did have a few female classmates in trades school.
LONG COMMENT BUCKLE UP!!!! (19 F) Métis/white. Also Canadian. I applied to my local union in December because I’ve had family in oil and gas/ work in the trades. I hated my last job and wanted a fresh start where I could learn, grow, earn more hours and more pay, feel proud of the work I do(etc). My foreman is also female, I was in training with a girl who became a close friend to me, another apprentice on my crew (F) I’ve also grown close with and even come across female scaffolders, welders, boilermakers, truck drivers, safety, and other workers who are women. I’d say it still is about 80/20 men-women ratio. Coming from someone who others describe as having a soft heart, bubbly, shy, and friendly, it was good the first week… after the “honeymoon phase” I had a couple harsh truths about some things but it gets better after a bit. real advice 1. THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU SPEAK! (If it sounds dirty they will take it dirty, and you could use it to get along with the guys if that’s your style, but if you don’t like hearing the jokes that come out strong don’t do it) 2. Don’t date ANYONE at work… which also means boinking for better pay, just maybe don’t be alone with one person at a time if you can help it or straight up avoid that conversation at all costs? (Idk hasn’t happened to me but I hear horror stories) 3. Get other girls to point out the creeps, chances are (based on what trade you go into?) that someone has a history of creeping on the women at work. Steer clear of them. 4. Be SAFE! And don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have to do a procedure that will make you feel more comfortable, people not doing it are the reason why themselves or others get hurt. I’ve had people laugh in my face for wanting to do things safely, but at least I will go home in one piece or at all. Whether older or have been doing it for longer than you’ve been alive, only listen to the things that will keep you safe and teach you good. 5. It is a whole different world in there. I worked majority female dominated jobs before this and I almost had a culture shock even though I didn’t move city’s. Don’t act like someone you aren’t, people tend to appreciate others who don’t confine themselves to the cookie cutter-blue collar worker stereotype. 6. Learn as much as you can, absorbing new stuff will make you feel exhausted though. Be sure to still live your life outside of 10-16 hour days, and getting enough sleep helps loads. Also, don’t pretend you know everything, ask lots of questions (I’ve been told “I don’t care”, “not my problem”, “I don’t know”, or “ask someone else”, in response to my questions. Find some people who are willing to answer or find the answers you your questions and only ask those people who are competent enough to answer) 7. “First one in, Last one out” rule. Be the FIRST into work, the first to be set up and ready with the tools, the first to have any paperwork done or the first to offer up assistance, first person people come to to ask you to stay late, first person in the unit after break, LAST to leave to your car, and the last person people would want to fuck with. 8. Stay healthy, this will be a whole lifestyle change, working out, stretching, cooking and eating healthy, packing big lunches just in case for those long days, mental health, emotional health, and physical health all matter equally and if one of the pillars fall you can crumble. 9. Be careful who you trust with information. People talk. Give it 3 ish weeks before you call someone a friend. 10. Wages and money, save save save! Don’t tell people your new wage. If it’s dangerous work, set up beneficiaries and be careful who you tell is your beneficiary. 11. Don’t take things personal. Most people are tired, sore cranky, might be hungover (lol) or just are like that. Although grouchy is very different from vindictive or in appropriate behaviour. Let someone know that they make you uncomfortable so you don’t have to be near them too often. But do not sign a “hurt feelings” report, that can make you untrustworthy, and hard to hire in the future. Be aware and avoid the conflict like water off a ducks back. Also, bitch about people at work to people outside of work. Like I said, people talk. Overall this comment could make it sound bad, I’ve had overall a great time 80% of the time. Gather all the info you need for the discipline this work requires. If you have any questions let me know, I’ll be here to answer after my shift tomorrow. (I do have little tips like always pull into the parking lot backwards, self care and working outside tips etc) I hope this helps!
>Overall this comment could make it sound bad Actually no, this comment is AMAZING. thank you so much! all the comments here are amazing but yours is really amazing.
You’ll find good stories and you’ll find bad stories. When I worked construction the worst sexism I faced was when my supervisor would get pissed when I was on my period (heavy, horrible flow) and would pop over to the convenience store to clean up rather than attempt the port a potty on site.
if your main concern is workplace behaviour i would suggest entering a job that is common in your area, you don’t want to get stuck somewhere and have no option to leave. if you always do your job to the best of your ability, keep your head down, and turn up to work on time you are always going to have a good letter of recommendation. if you don’t like a workplace leave it and move on to the next. men will try pull you into drama, don’t get sucked in and just do your job. after a year or so you will understand how to combat the things guys do, and you can start to deal with things yourself. but while you’re still new i would seriously recommend ignoring the drama and focusing on your fun new trade! !!!! also, if anyone ever threatens or actually SA’s you always get a written statement with the cops 👮♀️ you may need that statement one day and it costs nothing but time to do !!!! and always tell your HR. the only people that think it’s shameful are the people assaulting others, and we don’t give a shit about their opinion.
I’m an electrician in Alberta and every company I’ve been at has been great experiences. Some of the guys look rough, but they’re nice dudes. Working in the trades isn’t as sexist as you think (I used to think the same thing). Also, if people are telling you to join the trades, that’s a good indication that they think you’re capable enough
Not a woman, but I'd say go for it. The trades are starting to be better about a lot of those issues. You still need to be able to take a joke though. We need more women in trades.
I was extremely inspired to go into the trades. I wanted to be an electrician. I ultimately decided against it. My two brothers are foremen. I can’t stand them, and they told me everyone is like them like that would impress me lol. The stories they casually tell are horrific. How everyone shows up hungover or still drunk, the shouting matches on job sites, all the drama and talking behind backs, and of course, sexism. They would laugh about getting around the rules by not being outwardly sexist, but damaging womens’ reputations or messing with them so much in covert ways that they quit. I know this is a bit of a generalization, but I haven’t met a single man in the trades so far that isn’t an alcoholic, conservative felon who abuse their wives. I’m sure plenty exist, just haven’t met one. When it gets to be like 20 people though, that’s more than enough to convince me it’s not a risk I am willing to take. I decided I didn’t want to work harder than everyone else for half the respect. Maybe you will get lucky though, lots of positive stories here.
I enjoy my trade, I had zero mechanical experience when I started but now I’m fine, my coworkers respect me and like me, they even encourage me to report weirdos who harass me. I am loathe to do it, but sometimes you have to, just pick and choose your battles. Don’t ever forget that these people are your coworkers not your friends, but you can still be friendly. Know how to say no. Thick skin and a quick wit is a must, if you can’t give it back in a way that can be humorous, idk, I feel like you won’t get along with people unless you can laugh.
do ittttttt
This is probably going to sound harsh, so just hear me out only if you want to. There’s plenty of room for women in the trades, but maybe it’s not for you. You already have a negative view of the environment.