Trade Programs for Women: Build a Skilled Career at IYRS

Women’s share in skilled trades

The State of Women in Skilled Trades in 2026 — and Why the Opportunity Has Never Been Bigger

The landscape for women in skilled trades continues to evolve, creating more opportunities than ever to build hands-on, high-impact careers.

Today, women make up roughly 14% of the construction workforce, reflecting steady progress in recent years as more women enter the trades and training pathways expand. At the same time, women account for approximately 29% of the manufacturing workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While these numbers show meaningful growth, women remain underrepresented in field-based and technical roles, especially in areas like marine systems, composites, and advanced manufacturing. This gap highlights a clear opportunity for women to step into industries that are actively seeking new talent.

Demand for skilled workers continues to rise across the country. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the construction trades industry alone faced a shortage of more than 500,000 workers, with similar workforce gaps affecting manufacturing, infrastructure, and marine trades. In maritime sectors, workforce development organizations continue to emphasize the need for new professionals as experienced workers retire, creating strong entry points for the next generation.

This combination of rising demand and limited supply creates a powerful advantage for those entering the trades today. Employers are actively recruiting skilled workers, and graduates of hands-on training programs are often able to move quickly into meaningful, well-paying careers.

Federal initiatives are also helping expand access and awareness. Programs like Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO), supported by the U.S. Department of Labor, provide funding and resources to increase participation among women in skilled trades. Industry organizations such as NAWIC and Tradeswomen Inc. continue to advocate for inclusion, mentorship, and long-term career growth.

At IYRS School of Technology & Trades, this momentum is already visible. Students range in age from 18 to 78 and come from diverse backgrounds, including career changers, veterans, and professionals seeking hands-on work. In 2026, women outnumbered men in the first year of IYRS’s Boatbuilding & Restoration program, signaling a growing interest among women entering the marine trades. Women at IYRS are building careers in boatbuilding, composites, marine systems, and digital fabrication, fields where technical skill, creativity, and craftsmanship are in high demand.

Are there scholarships specifically for women in the trades?

Yes. IYRS offers scholarships for women in Boatbuilding, Marine Systems, and advanced manufacturing.

Learn more about financial aid, scholarships and other funding opportunities.

Additionally, the Glo Tech Scholarship Fund at IYRS is for women ages 25+ with at least 4 years of experience in the marine trades or advanced manufacturing industries. You can learn more about scholarship and career opportunities for women.

Why Trade Careers Are One of the Smartest Financial Moves Women Can Make Right Now

For many women exploring their next step, trade programs for females offer a practical, efficient path into a rewarding trade career.

One of the biggest advantages is time. Hands-on training programs at IYRS School of Technology & Trades can be completed in 6 to 20 months, compared to four or more years for a traditional degree. This accelerated timeline allows each woman to enter the workforce sooner, begin earning earlier, and gain real-world experience without the long delays often associated with traditional education.

Cost is another important factor. Trade school education is typically more affordable than a four-year college degree, helping reduce student debt while improving return on investment. Instead of spending years in lecture-based courses, students focus on applied training that prepares them directly for a skilled trades job.

Earning potential across the skilled trades remains strong. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Rhode Island machinists earn between approximately $58,650 and $78,090 annually, while CNC programmers in Massachusetts and Connecticut earn between approximately $70,460 and $114,570, depending on experience and specialization. These careers align closely with IYRS programs such as Digital Modeling & Fabrication and demonstrate the value of technical skills in advanced manufacturing and fabrication industries.

In addition, pay equity in construction is stronger than in many other industries. Research highlighted by the National Association of Women in Construction shows that women in construction earn approximately 95.5% of what men earn, helping narrow the gender pay gap compared to many traditional career paths.

Beyond financial benefits, a skilled trade offers meaningful lifestyle advantages. Many roles provide hands-on work, flexibility, and the ability to see tangible results. For those seeking independence, creativity, and purpose, skilled trades can offer a fulfilling alternative to traditional office-based careers.

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.

Future-proof trades: wind, marine & composites on the rise

The next decade will bring rapid expansion in several high-demand skilled-trade sectors that align directly with IYRS’s programs.

Wind Turbine Technicians: Projected 60% job growth from 2023–2033, making it the fastest-growing occupation in the United States (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This creates significant opportunities for women pursuing trade jobs in renewable energy.
Carbon-Fiber Composites: The market is expected to triple—from $25.6 billion to $72.3 billion by 2035—driven by a 10.9% CAGR (Future Market Insights), fueling demand for composites technicians and offering promising trade school careers for females.
Marine Engineers & Naval Architects: An expected 8% employment increase by 2033 will boost demand for graduates skilled in Marine Systems, making these ideal trade programs for women interested in engineering and design.

IYRS School of Technology & Trades is uniquely positioned to meet these needs:

Marine Systems (6 months): Prepares students for roles in marine engineering, systems installation, and repair, perfect for women seeking a trade school for girls focused on maritime careers.
Composites Technology (9 months): Equips graduates to work with carbon fiber, fiberglass, and advanced manufacturing methods such as wet layup, vacuum bagging, and prepreg materials, making it one of the most forward-looking trade school programs for women.
Digital Modeling & Fabrication (9 months): Builds skills in additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, CNC router, mill, lathe, and prototyping for marine, aerospace, and renewable-energy applications, aligning with modern trade jobs that value design and innovation.

By focusing on these rapidly growing industries, IYRS ensures graduates, especially those from a trade school, are ready to thrive in the skilled trades of the future.

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 four 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 lathes. You 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.

Scholarships, Funding, and Organizations That Support Women in the Trades

For women considering a trade career, financial support and industry resources are more accessible than ever. A growing number of scholarships, grants, and workforce development programs are designed specifically to help women enter and succeed in skilled trades.

Several national organizations offer dedicated funding opportunities. The NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships each year to support women pursuing construction and trade-related education. Additional opportunities are available through organizations like Women in HVACR and Tradeswomen Inc., which provide both financial support and career resources for women entering technical fields. These options can be combined with federal financial aid through FAFSA, available at ACCSC-accredited institutions like IYRS School of Technology & Trades.

Federal investment in workforce development is also expanding. The U.S. Department of Labor continues to fund programs like Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO), which supports recruitment, training, and retention efforts for women in skilled trades. These initiatives are designed to increase access to registered apprenticeship programs and create more pathways into high-demand careers.

At IYRS, support for women pursuing technical careers also includes the Glo Tech Scholarship Fund, which helps women ages 25 and older with experience in the marine trades or advanced manufacturing industries access training and career advancement opportunities.

Beyond funding, professional organizations play a key role in long-term success. Groups such as NAWIC, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW), Women in HVACR, and Women in Plumbing & Piping offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and ongoing support throughout a woman’s career. These communities help individuals build connections, gain confidence, and navigate industries where women are still underrepresented.

At IYRS, students benefit from this broader ecosystem of support while also receiving guidance on scholarships, financial aid, and career planning. With the right combination of funding and mentorship, women entering the trades are well-positioned to build sustainable, rewarding careers.

Sources

Institute for Women’s Policy Research. (2025). Women’s construction jobs mostly held steady in 2025. https://iwpr.org/thankful-for-small-graces-womens-construction-jobs-mostly-held-steady-in-2025/

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Labor force statistics from the Current Population Survey. https://www.bls.gov/cps/

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2024). Understanding America’s labor shortage: The construction industry. https://www.uschamber.com/workforce

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters: Occupational outlook handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm

National Association of Women in Construction. (2024). Breaking down the pay gap between construction women and men. https://nawic.org/breaking-down-the-pay-gap-between-construction-women-and-men/

WifiTalents. (2026). Women in construction statistics. https://wifitalents.com/women-in-construction-statistics/

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