Searches for "tradeswomen" have seen a significant global increase, with a 313% rise in the year leading up to 2026. In the UK specifically, searches for female painters, electricians, and mechanics have all surged. This trend is mirrored by platforms connecting customers with female tradespeople, which report a 134% increase in inquiries over the past year.
Women are drawn to skilled trades for a variety of reasons, including the potential for high earnings, with top tradeswomen earning up to £82,000 annually. Many also appreciate the flexibility and the hands-on nature of the work, which is often seen as resistant to automation by artificial intelligence. The career shift is attracting a diverse range of women, including those seeking a change from traditional white-collar professions and even graduates from prestigious universities.
For many customers, particularly women, seeking out female tradespeople offers a more comfortable and trustworthy experience. Some report feeling more at ease with a woman in their home, especially when alone. They also cite instances of being previously overcharged or made to feel incompetent by male trades professionals. Female tradespeople often bring a more sensitive approach, stemming from their own experiences with condescension in the industry.
Kim Maci, an electrician, notes that clients often express relief upon seeing her, sharing stories of negative past experiences with male tradespeople. She has found a supportive community among other tradeswomen online, with many cheering each other on through social media platforms and organized events. Maci's own path into the trades began after a gap year job, convincing her that the problem-solving nature of electrical work was more appealing than her initial plan to study psychology.
Daisy Kade Andrews, a gas engineer, pursued the trade she desired since childhood after working in office jobs. She retrained in her late twenties, balancing work with night school. Andrews was attracted to the practical, active nature of trades, preferring to be out and about rather than desk-bound.
Emily Mawson, 45, transitioned to plastering after two decades as a pastry chef. Her decision was partly practical, stemming from a need for a more in-demand skill to better manage her time and income as a single mother. Although her plastering course was male-dominated, she has found a diverse client base and particularly values the positive feedback from female clients who appreciate her approachability.
While women are not yet equally represented in the trades, efforts are underway to increase visibility. Initiatives like encouraging tradeswomen to speak in schools aim to expose more young people to these career options. Attitudes within the industry are also evolving, with increased acceptance of women on job sites. The growing presence of female tradespeople is crucial for shifting perceptions and encouraging more women to consider picking up tools.