Women In Skilled Trades: Why It’s A Smart Career Move

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Traditionally, skilled trade professionals like welders, electricians, and HVAC technicians have been male, but we are seeing a change in the trend. More women are entering the trades, starting lifelong careers.

Why It’s a Smart Career Move for Women to Work in Skilled Trades

Skilled trades offer women plenty of job opportunities, competitive pay, and opportunities for advancement. Trade professional roles are not just for men. Women are entering the trades and becoming welders, HVAC technicians, and electricians.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

For decades, skilled trade professionals have been men. That’s changing. More women are entering the workforce and can handle the physical demands and technical skills required. With the training at The Refrigeration School (RSI), women can succeed.

Strong Job Demand

The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers1. This shortage is related to the increased retirement of baby boomers and a lack of younger workers training for these professions. The construction industry, in particular, has faced challenges in rebuilding its workforce since the mid-2000s. Women who enter the skilled trades can benefit from strong demand and a need to replace retiring trade professionals.

Learn and Then Earn

Unlike four-year college degrees, trade programs take less time to start earning. RSI offers programs that can be completed in months rather than years.

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Job Satisfaction

Skilled trades can be fulfilling. Many trade professionals enjoy building, fixing, and creating. Unlike sedentary office jobs, skilled trade jobs demand physical activity and problem-solving. Women may find working in the skilled trades rewarding.

Hands-On Training

Women who enjoy working with their hands may find the trades more rewarding than working in an office setting. Plus, RSI offers hands-on training during trade programs so students are prepared for their new careers and confident to start working on day one.

A Supportive Work Environment

Instructors at RSI help women succeed in these fields. Organizations like Women in HVACR2, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)3, and Sisters in the Building Trades4 help female trade professionals with resources and networking opportunities.

Opportunities for Growth

Skilled trades offer opportunities for advancement. With experience, women can move into leadership roles or start their own businesses. The demand for skilled workers means there’s room to advance and build a lifelong career.

What Skilled Trades are Available at RSI?

RSI located in Phoenix, Arizona, offers several skilled trades programs:

HVAC/R Training Program (6 Months)

The HVAC/R training program focuses on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. You will learn how to install, maintain, and repair these systems in residential and commercial settings. Training covers air conditioning and refrigeration fundamentals, electrical components and wiring, troubleshooting and system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, and EPA certification preparation.

Electro-Mechanical Technologies Program (9 Months)

The Electro-Mechanical Technologies program offers training in HVAC, electrical work, and solar energy technologies. During this program, you will develop skills in basic and advanced electricity concepts, refrigeration system maintenance, solar panel installation and repair, and troubleshooting electro-mechanical systems.

Electrical Applications Program (7 Months)

The Electrical Application program provides hands-on training in residential and commercial electrical systems. During this program, you will learn wiring techniques and blueprint reading, electrical code regulations and safety practices, smart home technology and automation systems, and electrical system troubleshooting and repairs.

Welding Specialist Program (7 Months)

The Welding Specialist program teaches you the welding techniques used in construction, manufacturing, and pipefitting. During this program, you get hands-on training in MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored arc welding, structural and pipe welding applications, blueprint reading and fabrication techniques, and safety procedures and welding certifications.

Mechanical Maintenance Engineering Program (15 Months)

The Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program trains you in industrial maintenance skills, preparing you for mechanical engineering support roles. During this program, you learn about industrial refrigeration and air principles, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems, predictive maintenance and system diagnostics, and pipefitting, motors, and controls.

What are the Benefits of Attending RSI?

Attending The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) in Phoenix, Arizona, offers several benefits for women entering the skilled trades. These benefits include:

Benefit #1: Extensive Hands-On Training

RSI offers hands-on learning to prepare you for your lifelong career. It allows you to work directly with industry-standard tools and materials, preparing you for day one of your new career.

Benefit #2: Accelerated Programs

RSI offers accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as six months. This allows you to enter the workforce more quickly compared to traditional four-year degree programs.

Benefit #3: Flexible Class Schedules

We understand that you may have other responsibilities throughout the day. Therefore, we offer flexible class schedules, including morning, afternoon, and evening options. Your responsibilities shouldn’t stop you from getting an education, and we can help.

Benefit #4: Personalized Student Support

We offer one-on-one attention and provide you with guidance throughout the program. Our industry-experienced instructors assist you in achieving your education and meeting your career goals.

Benefit #5: Financial Aid and Scholarships

We offer financial aid assistance to those who qualify, helping you reduce the burden of tuition and the other costs associated with attending RSI. We also remind you of the deadlines for filing FAFSA applications, so you can get the financial aid that you deserve.

Benefit #6: Strong Career Services Support

We have a career services department that helps you with your job searches, resume writing, interview preparation, and industry networking.

Benefit #7: High Employment Rates

We have reported high employment rates for graduates of our trade programs. For example, the Electrical Applications Program has a 90% employment rate. That means the majority of students gained an outstanding education and found a job that they were passionate about.

Want to Learn More?

If you want to learn more about our trade programs, we can equip you with the necessary skills and expertise to start your new trade career in months rather than years. Call us today at (602) 607-0024 to learn more about our trade programs.

1) https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/rebuilding-construction-trades-workforce 
2) https://www.womeninhvacr.org/
3) https://nawic.org/
4) https://www.sistersinthebuildingtrades.rocks/

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