How Systemic Inequities Have Kept Women And Blacks Out Of The Trades—And What’s Being Done To Fix It
The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople. From electricians and plumbers to carpenters and welders, the demand for these essential roles is skyrocketing as infrastructure ages and the workforce retires. Yet, despite the lucrative opportunities and job security the trades offer, women and Black Americans remain significantly underrepresented in these fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up only 10.9% of construction workers and 4.1% of electricians, while Black workers are often relegated to lower-paying, less stable roles within the trades.
This disparity is not accidental. It is the result of decades of systemic barriers, both overt and hidden, perpetuated by unions, trade schools, government policies, and societal norms. But as the skilled labor shortage worsens, stakeholders are finally beginning to address these inequities—and in doing so, they may unlock a solution to the crisis.
The Roots Of Exclusion: How Unions, Trade Schools, And Government Policies Have Shaped The Trades
Unions: A History Of Gatekeeping
Labor unions have long been a double-edged sword for marginalized groups. While they have fought for workers’ rights and fair wages, many unions have also historically excluded women and Black workers. In the mid-20th century, unions often used discriminatory practices, such as restrictive membership policies and nepotistic hiring practices, to keep these groups out. Even today, women and Black workers report facing hostile work environments and lack of mentorship within unionized trades.
Trade Schools: A Lack Of Access And Outreach
Vocational-technical (vo-tech) schools have traditionally been a pipeline into the trades, but they have often failed to attract diverse students. Many vo-tech programs are located in predominantly white, male-dominated areas, and their outreach efforts have rarely targeted women or Black communities. Additionally, the stigma surrounding vocational education—often viewed as a “lesser” alternative to college—has disproportionately discouraged these groups from pursuing trades.
Government Policies: Reinforcing Inequities
Government policies have also played a role in perpetuating disparities. For decades, programs like the GI Bill and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans were systematically denied to Black veterans and families, limiting their ability to access training and homeownership opportunities that often lead to trades careers. Meanwhile, a lack of federal funding for vocational education has left many schools under-resourced and unable to modernize their curricula to attract a broader audience.
Societal Norms: Stereotypes And Stigma
Societal expectations have further discouraged women and Black Americans from entering the trades. The perception of trades as “men’s work” has alienated women, while Black workers have faced stereotypes about their capabilities. These biases are often reinforced in media portrayals and cultural narratives, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of exclusion.
The Current Landscape: Steps Toward Inclusion
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. Recognizing the need for a more diverse workforce, unions, trade schools, and policymakers are taking steps to address historical inequities.
Unions: Diversifying Membership
Unions like the IBEW and UA are now actively recruiting women and Black workers through initiatives such as pre-apprenticeship programs and diversity task forces. For example, the IBEW’s NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center has partnered with organizations like Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) to provide mentorship and training for women entering the trades.
Trade Schools: Expanding Access
Vo-tech schools are also working to attract a more diverse student body. Programs like Perry Technical Institute and Tulsa Welding School have launched outreach campaigns targeting women and minority communities. Additionally, many schools are updating their curricula to include inclusive teaching practices and cultural competency training for instructors. Public VoTech programs should be expanded
Government: Investing In Equity
The federal government has begun to address these disparities through initiatives like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which provides funding for job training programs targeting underrepresented groups. States like California and New York have also introduced diversity mandates for publicly funded construction projects, requiring contractors to hire a certain percentage of women and minority workers.
Increased Funding for Vocacational Technical Schools, particularly in urban areas: Essex County Schools of Technology in Newark, a majority Black city, has recently invested $160 million in improvements such as new physics labs, a second TEAL (Technology Enhanced Active Learning) Center, a new Career & Technical Education Construction Lab, new greenhouse and renovated Agricultural Science CTE Lab and renovated cosmetology, culinary and baking CTE Labs.
Nonprofits And Advocacy Groups: Building Pipelines
Organizations like NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) and BCTD (Building and Construction Trades Department) are working to create pipelines for women and Black workers into the trades. These groups offer scholarships, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities to help break down barriers.
Barriers That Remain—And How To Overcome Them
While these efforts are promising, significant barriers remain. Women and Black workers continue to face discrimination, harassment, and lack of representation in the trades. Additionally, many vo-tech programs are still underfunded and inaccessible to marginalized communities.
To address these challenges, stakeholders must take bold action:
- Increase Funding For Vo-Tech Education: Federal and state governments should allocate more resources to vocational education, particularly in underserved areas.
- Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities: Companies and unions should create more paid apprenticeship programs targeted at women and Black workers.
- Combat Workplace Discrimination: Stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and zero-tolerance policies for harassment are essential.
- Promote Trades As A Viable Career Path: Public awareness campaigns should highlight the financial stability and career advancement opportunities the trades offer.
- Foster Inclusive Cultures: Trade organizations must prioritize diversity training and create supportive environments for underrepresented workers.
A Win-Win Solution: Addressing The Skilled Labor Shortage
The shortage of skilled tradespeople is a pressing issue, with 85% of contractors reporting difficulty finding qualified workers. By expanding opportunities for women and Black Americans, the trades can tap into a vast, underutilized talent pool. This not only addresses the labor shortage but also helps close the racial and gender wealth gaps, providing stable, high-paying careers for those who have historically been excluded.
As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, the trades have a unique opportunity to lead the way in building a more inclusive economy. By breaking down barriers and embracing diversity, they can ensure a brighter future for both the industry and the communities it serves.