Research from field service management software, Powered Now, found that 21% of women in the UK have considered a career in the trades, during the last 12 months. Of those 21%, being involved in providing property extensions was the fifth most attractive career to the women polled – indicating a potential benefit for the glass and glazing industry. The company suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to this increase women’s interest. Happy International Women’s Day (8 March 2021).
The statistics from Powered Now build on Direct Line’s research, which last year found that there were more than twice as many women working in trade professions in the UK than ten years ago. For the women polled in Powered Now’s research, careers in the following areas were most popular:
1. Handyperson
2. Bathroom and kitchen fitting
3. Roofing
4. Decorations and painting
5. Extension providers
Powered Now’s research has further revealed that 15% of women currently within the trades have seen their client demand reach to a record high during the pandemic. With home improvements going through a period of rapid growth – market research provider Kantar has indicated that £4.94bn was spent on home improvements last year, £552m more than the previous 12 months – it could be an opportune moment for women to pursue careers in the trades.
“It isn’t often that you associate International Women’s Day with construction,” said Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now. “But hopefully people will start to recognise the careers that are indeed available to women.”
He added: “In a turn of events, the pandemic has highlighted that the trades is a haven for employment, and perhaps has been an unexpected catalyst to help move the industry closer to gender parity. Of course, as more women pursue careers in the trades, it will help to dismantle the trope the manual labour is just for men. We have found that existing businesses in the trades run by women can often be the most innovative, with female-only trade SMEs providing a service for those who are uneasy who they allow in their homes. Therefore, we would like to use this celebratory day to recognise the innovation that women bring to our sector, and hope that 2021 is a year in which we see these trends continue to flourish.”
Image credit: Unsplash/@kerenlevand (kerenlevand.com)
