Women across the country are entering fields like electrical work, welding, and automotive repair, and they are excelling. The skilled trades have traditionally been seen as male-dominated, but that perception is changing. These careers offer competitive pay, job stability, hands-on work, and room for advancement. Pennco Tech, a leading vocational school, provides trade career training programs at campuses in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA, offering great benefits for all students. Here, we discuss trade careers for women and the training available at Pennco Tech.

Why More Women Are Choosing Trade Careers

Women are increasingly turning to trade careers, such as electrical work, plumbing, welding, and automotive repair, for many of the same reasons as their male counterparts. Reasons women are choosing skilled trades include:

Growing Demand for Skilled Workers

Skilled trades are experiencing a surge in demand as industries expand and experienced workers retire. Employers across the country are actively seeking trained professionals to fill essential roles in electrical work, HVAC, welding, and automotive repair. The job outlook for skilled workers in many of these positions is projected to increase, providing strong job security.

Strong Salaries

Many skilled trades come with competitive salaries, which is another reason more women are pursuing them. Plumbers in Pennsylvania earn an annual mean wage of $73,950, while electricians have an annual mean wage of $73,510. In New Jersey, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians earn an annual mean wage of $69,800. These competitive salaries have contributed to more workers of all genders joining the trades.

Along with strong job outlooks and salaries, more women are joining skilled trades to break stereotypes about working in the skilled trades. Women are challenging outdated ideas about who belongs in the trades and are proving they have the skills, drive, and talent to succeed. From electrical work to automotive repair, women are making their mark in fields once considered off-limits.

Overview of Training Programs at Pennco Tech

Pennco Tech is supportive of women entering the skilled trades. We offer a variety of hands-on training programs designed to prepare students of all genders for careers in high-demand industries. Each program combines classroom instruction with practical experience to ensure graduates are ready to enter the workforce with confidence. Our program offerings include:

• Automotive Technology: Students learn how to diagnose, repair, and maintain modern vehicles using industry-standard tools and techniques.
• Diesel Technology: This program focuses on the maintenance and repair of heavy-duty diesel engines and truck systems, preparing students for careers in transportation and logistics.
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC&R): Students gain skills in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
• Medical Assistant: The program trains students for both administrative and clinical roles in healthcare settings, including patient care and office procedures.
• Electrician: Students receive training in residential and commercial wiring, electrical systems, and safety codes.
• Plumbing and Heating Technology: The program teaches students how to install and repair plumbing systems, water heaters, and heating units.
• Welding: Students develop skills in various welding techniques, metal fabrication, and blueprint reading for careers in manufacturing and construction.

Why Choose Pennco Tech?

At Pennco Tech, students are supported in breaking barriers and building confidence through hands-on training and inclusive learning environments. We are committed to creating a learning environment where women feel empowered to succeed in the skilled trades. Through initiatives like Girl Power, we encourage women to explore careers in fields like electrical, HVAC, automotive, and welding. This program helps build confidence, fosters community, and highlights the achievements of women in the trades.

We are also committed to making career training accessible and affordable. Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including options such as federal grants, student loans, scholarships, and veterans’ benefits. Our financial aid office works closely with each student to explore available resources and create a plan that fits their needs. This support helps reduce the financial burden and allows students to focus on building a successful future in the skilled trades.

Explore Trade Career Training Near You in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Trade careers offer women a powerful path to financial independence, job security, and personal fulfillment. Yet, women still make up less than 5% of skilled trade occupations and only 11% of the construction workforce. The number of women in trades surged by 47% between 2017 and 2022, reaching over 350,000. Pennco Tech is proud to be part of this progress, helping women gain the skills and support they need to succeed.

We offer hands-on training, expert support, and career-ready skills in fields like automotive, HVAC, and electrical. Explore trade careers for women and take the first step toward a future built on confidence, skill, and opportunity. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or schedule a visit to one of our campus locations near you in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA.