WOMEN IN SKILLED TRADES
Working in the construction industry has its share of challenges. Take this quick quiz to see if it is right for you.
You may not be able to answer “yes” enthusiastically to every question, but to be successful, you should come away from this brief survey feeling that there are no insurmountable barriers and that the positives, for you, outweigh the negatives to the extent that you are confident in your ability to cope with these realities and be happy in your chosen career.
Will I enjoy construction work?
Do you like making repairs around the house (painting, fixing outlets, radios, stereos, etc)?
Do you like working from a pattern, blueprint, or diagram to construct or make things?
Does it give you satisfaction to see the concrete result of your labor?
Do you enjoy math and solving technical problems/puzzles?
Do you like to work or play outside, even when it is very hot or very cold?
Are you a morning person who enjoys getting an early start to the day?
Will I thrive in this work environment?
Can you work at heights or in small confined spaces? Can you work in environments that may be extremely noisy, dirty, hot, cold, wet, smelly, or potentially dangerous?
Are you safety conscious in all of your work?
Can you lift 50 to 70 lbs or more on a regular basis?
Can you maintain your composure when dealing with difficult people or practical jokers?
Can you follow the directions of crew leaders even if the directions are given quickly and may sound angry?
Can you cope with being the only, or one of just a few, women on a job site and that extra scrutiny that may bring?
Are you comfortable advocating for yourself if need be?
Can you work as a team to complete a project, even with people who may not be particularly welcome?
Is this the right time for me to consider a trades career?
Do you have reliable childcare for nontraditional hours, early mornings, or late nights?
Can you work mandatory overtime? Can you do a second or third shift if required?
Are you able to drive to where the jobs are, even if that is more than one hour from home?
Do you have the ability to meet rigid attendance requirements?
Can you manage fluctuation in your income?
Do you meet the basic requirements?
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?
Do you have a valid driver's license? Do you have access to reliable transportation?
Are you eligible to work in the United States?
Can you pass a drug test and are you prepared to take random drug tests throughout your career?