Women in the Trades: Final Report of a Survey of Massachusetts Tradeswomen. Working Paper No. 195.

A study was conducted jointly by Women in the Building Trades (WIBT), and the Wellesley Center for Research on Women to learn about the experiences of women in the building trades. A questionnaire was distributed at a state conference and mailed to the mailing list of WIBT. All told, 431 questionnaires were distributed, and 131 (30%) were completed and returned, representing about 10% of women in the trades in Massachusetts. All of the women had a high school diploma or equivalent; one in four had some college or business school training; 29% had completed trade school or an apprenticeship, and about as many had a 4-year college degree or more. These women come from all walks of life and are interested in the trades for the same reasons as men--better pay, challenging work, and an opportunity to learn a skill. Almost half came from families whose men were employed in the trades. Many received their training through apprenticeship and on the job. Respondents identified the importance of getting the first job as an important step in entering the trades. Many indicated that their trade meant more independence, financial security, and a greater sense of self-esteem and competence. However, many said that they must continually prove themselves competent and were more likely to experience hostility and harassment. (NLL)