Trade School Programs for Women

Women in various trade careers

Between 2017 and 2022, the number of women working in trades increased by 32%, reaching its highest level ever. Yet women still only account for around 3% of the total trade workforce– despite the demand for trade workers growing dramatically. Looking ahead from 2022 to 2032, annual new hires in skilled trade roles are projected to increase more than 20 times, from around 26,600 new hires per year to more than 584,000 new hires per year. 

If we want to see more women and underrepresented genders fill these roles in the trades (and we do!), we need to provide pathways to trade careers.

There are three major ways to create those clear pathways:

  • Clarify the advantages of skilled trades for women
  • Show examples of women who are thriving in skilled trades
  • Make it easier for women to gain the education they need to enter a skilled trade

The advantages of skilled trades for women

There are many advantages of a career in a skilled trade.

Get hired sooner

Skilled trades require specialized knowledge and training and can lead to a thriving, high-demand career in a shorter timeline than many other fields. At IYRS, our accredited programs take between six and 20 months to complete. Since our course of study includes an externship, students graduate with on-the-job experience to add to their resumes. This combination of knowledge, skill, and experience can help make it easier for women in skilled trades to land a job upon graduation.

Better return for your investment and less student loan debt

Thanks to the shorter duration of the program, most trade school students (including IYRS students) graduate with a smaller amount of student loan debt than those who earn a four-year degree. 

Focus on your interests

A trade school has the added benefit of allowing students to focus on the area of expertise they want to learn, avoiding the general courses most two- or four-year schools require.

Work, your way

Desk job not for you? Love to work with your hands, outside, away from an office setting? A skilled trade is the answer. The traditional career paths proposed to women are certainly not the only options, and a skilled trade can be the answer for those women who want to escape the confines of a desk.

Examples of women in skilled trades

There are many modern, everyday examples of women in trades, including the maritime trades, which need to be highlighted to encourage women who want to follow in their footsteps. Representation is impactful. 

Check out the latest Women Making Waves article highlighting outstanding women in the boating industry.
 

Trailblazer spotlight

Bolling F. Douglas was an influential figure in the marine industry, widely recognized for her contributions to marine safety and standardization. She was the first female accredited by the National Association of Marine Surveyors in 1975 and served as the senior marine safety expert in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. She was also the first female Coast Guard Auxiliary Qualification Examiner. She played a pivotal role in advancing the work of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), particularly in the areas of boat design, construction, and repair. Her work significantly shaped the safety standards that are taught in technical programs across the country including the IYRS Marine Systems program today. 

Remove barriers to women in skilled trades

One way to remove barriers is to provide funding to make it easier for women to gain the education they need to enter the workforce.

Women can look for scholarships that have been created for women in skilled trades, including IYRS’s scholarship for women (see Boatbuilding and Marine Systems scholarship sections on our financial aid page) as well as the following:

Considering a trade career? Learn more about what IYRS has to offer.

IYRS School of Technology & Trades offers ACCSC-accredited programs ranging in duration from 6 to 20 months. Each program allows students to continue growing as a person and make the most of their gap year. Depending on the program, enrollment takes place in March and/or September each year.

Marine Systems
Marine Systems is a 6-month program during which students learn how to install, repair, and troubleshoot all aspects of a boat’s systems, from the engine to electrical to hydraulics and plumbing, preparing them to become in-demand marine technicians or to provide a solid foundation that becomes a springboard to a career as an engineer or entrepreneur.

Composites Technology
Composites Technology is a 9-month program that teaches students to design and build with advanced materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and epoxy, preparing them for careers in some of the world's most exciting industries like aerospace, yacht building, automotive, sporting goods, and wind energy. 

Digital Modeling & Fabrication
Digital Modeling & Fabrication is a 9-month program that teaches students about design thinking, generating innovative solutions, and how to utilize 3D modeling software like SOLIDWORKS®, Mastercam and RHINO while also gaining knowledge in using CNC mills and lathesYou will design and build a capstone project before concluding the program with an industry externship.

Boatbuilding & Restoration
Boatbuilding & Restoration is a 20-month program that is dedicated to the craft and related disciplines of boatbuilding and marine woodworking. Students gain knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience as they prepare for a rewarding career in the boatbuilding and repair industry.