Women in the Skilled Trades: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate women’s achievements and also recognize their resilience, innovation and lasting impact across every industry. At Skillpoint Alliance, we honor the trailblazing women employed in the skilled trades—those who are breaking barriers, defying expectations, and reshaping the workforce. The trades have long been considered a male-dominated field but more and more are making the choice to step into careers that offer better pay, stability, and upward mobility.
At Skillpoint Alliance, we are committed to empowering women to take the next step in their career, and we provide support through the entire process. Women make up just 5% of the skilled-trade workforce nationwide, but they represent 16% of our participants—a testament to our program’s model and the impact accessible training has to break down traditional gender barriers.
Our no-cost, fast-paced job training programs provide the hands-on experience needed to jumpstart careers and create a cycle of generational wealth, regardless of gender, background or financial situation. Beyond training, our admissions team and student success coordinators work closely with program participants to identify and address any obstacles that might keep them from successfully completing our programs. We recognize that entering a male-dominated field can be intimidating, but we also know that with the right support, women can and do excel.
One student success story perfectly embodies our organization’s mission and commitment to transforming lives, not just their careers. In 2019, Jennifer Cobbs enrolled in our pre-apprentice electrical program after losing her job as a receptionist. The moment she was let go, she drove straight to Skillpoint Alliance to enroll and embark on her next career. Without a source of income or assistance, she fell behind on bills, faced the threat of eviction and constantly worried about how she would feed her children until she could find a job.
Through Skillpoint Alliance’s connections with industry leaders, Jennifer quickly found employment after graduation with a local contractor. She is now a journeywoman electrician, leading her own team and preparing to take the exam to become a master electrician. Jennifer's story gives hope that with proper training and support, it is possible for anyone to attain family-sustaining careers that offer a brighter future.
As Austin anticipates 10,000 mobility and infrastructure jobs being created annually through 2040, along with an estimated $25 billion in infrastructure projects, the demand for skilled trade workers is at an all-time high. With this momentum, we encourage women to explore the possibilities the skilled trades have to offer and invest in a meaningful career and life. To learn more about our programs and take the next step toward a fulfilling career, visit https://skillpointalliance.org/.