Gender Stereotyping. This is a subject that is coming to light more and more every day. From the school, work, and even politics- it is something women cannot avoid. This is a major problem, especially if it stands in the way of women creating a successful career for themselves. It’s actually a big setback, why can’t women do the same thing a man can? Women in HVAC was never heard of because they didn’t promote this career choice to females at the high school job fairs. Chicago women in Trades Executive Director, Jayne Vellinga, said something very similar to this. She stated that the reason for such few women in the trades is because it was not introduced to them at a young age. The ideas of this career were never an idea to young girls growing up. She even goes on to say that she believes in gender stereotyping and that this is a huge factor leaning in on the reason why females do not know about this career choice. Vellinga said, “it’s just not presented as an option to women, either as students or adult students looking for work.” So how do we change this? How do we introduce women in HVAC as a career choice to young women?
Women in HVAC may find some setbacks because of their gender in the trades industry. This industry has been dominated by men for so long but is finally at its turning point. Slowly, women are beginning to enter this workforce as never before. The profession of a licensed, skilled trade professional is one of the last surviving opportunities of a financially secure middle-class life, and as more skilled trade professionals approach retirement, this traditionally male-dominated field will require the entrance of more females. The trades industry is currently going through a labor shortage. Having this be the case, this should open the door for many Women in HVAC.
There are women in HVAC, they are just harder to come by than a man. There are some shocking numbers that come up when researching women in the trades industry. Women make up 8.9% of the trades industry. This number has not increased since World War II, when women made up 10% of the trade industry. This number is expected to grow in the next few years according to a recent study by Career School Now. The time is now for women to get out there and join the trades. With the right education and drive these jobs could be very fulfilling and lifetime careers for women.
The goal is to start educating young women out of high school about these exciting opportunities with hopes to raise the awareness that trades are an exciting career path not just for men, but for women as well! Let’s get women in HVAC!
Ready for a scary number? 1.4% This is what percentage of HVAC techs are Women. Out of 292,000 HVAC techs, only 4,088 are women.
Need a reason to become an HVAC tech? For reasons like steady, work, great pay, and a life skill; click the link to find out more!
Out of the 4,088 current Women in HVAC, there are a few that have really led the way to the top of the industry.
Angie Snow is recognized in the HVAC industry for hiring her first female HVAC tech a few years back. Snow said that this was critical for her business. Once word got out that she had a female tech, mothers and older clients began requesting her as they were more comfortable with a woman coming to their home rather than an unfamiliar man. Companies began calling Snow and asking how she did it. She simply said the industry needs to promote hiring Women in HVAC.
Julie Decker has been involved with the HVAC industry for over 25 years. Her ties to the trade were through sales. She is currently the National Sales Manager for Atco Rubber Products. Decker says that this is an industry you fall into. In the 90’s Decker spent a lot of time on the road with work. She decided this need to change and got a job closer to home selling filters. This is when Decker became part of the HVAC industry.
Women supporting women has been a huge topic this year. This topic even has spread to organizations in the trades, such as Women in HVACR. This organizations mission is the help women in HVAC by connecting them together, create networking opportunities, and finding mentors and education for women. They have really created a tight community for Women in HVAC. Before, it was hard to find a fellow woman in the industry to simply learn from or confide in. However, after forming this organization numbers have begun to rise for this industry. And women are now staying with this career choice longer than ever.
PHCEid.org is an advocate for the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical contractor to properly identify their licensed status for public awareness. Professional Contractors have the license or certification to work in homes and businesses. Without the proper certification and licensing to become a skilled trades professional, it compromises the integrity the trade industry. The contractors listed on the PHCEid.org website are licensed or certified according to the codes and laws set forth by each governing state and/or entity. Licensed Contractors work in compliance with local and state codes set forth by their governing trade industry board. Get more information at PHCEid.org or call 844-954-2367 today!
Your gender does not define what you are good at. You do.
