A growing number of women in trades are proving that a four-year degree isn’t the only path to a successful career. More young women are skipping college and heading straight into skilled jobs—like electricians, truck drivers, and auto mechanics. They’re earning good money, gaining valuable skills, and avoiding the burden of student debt.
While college and university costs continue to climb, trades offer a faster, cheaper way to start a stable career. A typical vocational program or apprenticeship costs far less than a college degree—and in many cases, students get paid while they train. That makes trades especially appealing to women who want financial independence without years of tuition bills.
These jobs also bring purpose. They offer the chance to build and fix things in the real world. For many, that’s more fulfilling than sitting behind a desk or spending years in a classroom.
Women Leading the Way in Skilled Trades
Some of the most inspiring stories in this movement come from young women who took a chance—and now run the show. Victoria Carl, 25, is one of them. She owns Carl’s Advanced Automotive and Truck Repair in Albany, New York. With four full-time technicians and over $1 million in projected sales, her shop is thriving.
Victoria learned on the job. She skipped the degree, worked hard, and built a business from the ground up. “I’ve always liked working with my hands,” she says. “Now I run my own place, and I’m proud of what I’ve built.”
Across different trades, women are stepping into well-paying roles. Bri Loomis, 19, drives trucks for New York State. She earns a steady income, enjoys regular hours, and feels part of a growing community of women in trades. “I didn’t want to go into debt,” she explains. “Now I have freedom, a paycheck, and a job I love.”
And it’s not just about getting started—it’s about leading. Shauna Irving, 33, is a licensed electrician making $62 an hour. She’s also president of her union’s women’s club. Shauna is passionate about bringing more women into the field. She mentors new hires and helps them navigate apprenticeships. “We’re just as capable,” she says. “We belong here.”
She also points to one major perk: equal pay. Most trades have set wage rates, especially in union roles. That means men and women doing the same job earn the same money.
Getting a Head Start Without Student Debt
Starting early makes a difference. Emiley Filuta, 17, is already training to become a mechanic. She’s still in high school, but she’s gaining hands-on experience through a vocational program. “I like solving problems,” she says. “I’d rather be in a garage than a lecture hall.”
For students like Emiley, trade programs offer a clear path forward. They provide job-ready skills without the financial stress of college. And they build confidence through real-world work.
Programs like hers are becoming more common. Schools are adding shop classes and technical training options. Community colleges and local unions also offer low-cost certifications. These efforts open the door for more women in trades—starting at a young age.
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Why More Women Are Choosing the Trades
There are many reasons why trades are becoming a smart choice for women:
- Better pay: Many jobs start at $50,000 or more. With experience, workers can reach six figures.
- No debt: Apprenticeships and trade schools cost less than college, and often pay while you learn.
- High demand: Skilled workers are needed everywhere, from cities to rural areas.
- Fair wages: Most trade jobs offer equal pay and clear wage structures.
- Work-life balance: Many roles come with steady schedules and fewer long hours.
These jobs also offer room to grow. Workers can become supervisors, start their own businesses, or train others. With every year of experience, the opportunities increase.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that nearly 12% of apprenticeship graduates in 2020 were women. That number is rising, especially as more employers look to diversify their teams. With retirements and infrastructure growth, the need for skilled workers keeps climbing.
Changing What Success Looks Like
For a long time, college was seen as the only “respectable” route to a career. But that view is shifting. More people now realize that trades offer real value—and real respect.
Women in trades are leading this shift. They’re proving that you can earn well, live well, and love your job without a degree. They’re breaking old stereotypes and showing younger generations that success comes in many forms.
As Shauna puts it, “I didn’t follow the usual path. But I found my own, and it works.”
These women are building, fixing, and powering the world around us. They’re not just filling jobs—they’re changing the face of entire industries.
Final Thoughts
The rise of women in trades is more than a trend—it’s a movement. From mechanics to electricians to truck drivers, women are claiming space in jobs that used to be off-limits. And they’re thriving.
They’re choosing hands-on work, steady pay, and meaningful careers. They’re skipping debt and gaining freedom. Most of all, they’re showing that there’s more than one way to build a successful life.
As more young women take up the tools of the trade, they’re not just shaping their own futures—they’re reshaping the future of work.
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