Women in the Trades: Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2026
Women in the Trades: Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2026
By Gillian Martin, Director
This week marks Women in Construction Week 2026, a time to celebrate the incredible contribution women are making across the construction and trades industries. At Trades Training School, it’s also been a wonderful opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the many female students who have trained with us and gone on to do fantastic things.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed women from all walks of life onto our courses. Some come to us to learn practical DIY skills so they can confidently tackle projects at home. Others are looking for personal development or a complete career change. We also work with women who are already in the trades and want to upskill, gain formal qualifications, or expand the services they offer.
One thing we’ve noticed recently is a clear increase in enquiries and bookings from female students. More women are discovering that a career in the trades can offer independence, creativity, flexibility and real job satisfaction.
Challenges Women Face Entering the Trades
While the opportunities are growing, it’s true that construction is still a male-dominated industry, and that can feel intimidating at first. Many women tell us they worry about joining classes that may be mostly male.
However, the feedback we hear time and again after the first day or two of training is how supported students feel. Our small class sizes help create a friendly environment where everyone can learn at their own pace. We also have female staff members on the team, which many students find reassuring. Perhaps most importantly, our students become part of a large and supportive network of tradespeople who help each other out long after the course finishes. Within that community we see women collaborating with other women, as well as partnering with male tradespeople to build successful working relationships.
Another common concern is the physical side of the job. Some trades do involve lifting and working with heavy materials, and those challenges are real. However, in many cases they can be managed or avoided by choosing a trade that suits your physical ability. Many areas of the industry rely far more on skill, precision and planning than brute strength.
For women considering self-employment, another concern can be visiting new premises or working for customers they don’t yet know. Fortunately, there are now third-party platforms that connect female tradespeople with vetted customers. Many of our students also team up with fellow graduates when starting out, meaning they don’t have to work alone.
The Advantages Women Bring to the Industry
There are also many strengths that women bring to the industry. From our experience working with thousands of students, women often demonstrate excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills and a creative approach to problem solving. These qualities are hugely valuable when working with customers and delivering high-quality finishes.
We’re also seeing growing demand from homeowners who specifically request female tradespeople to work in their homes. For many women entering the industry, this creates a real opportunity to build a strong client base.
Case Study: Shannon’s Tiling Career
Shannon joined our Tiling Diploma Level 2 course after leaving her job as a mobile engineer. She wanted to move into a career that would give her greater freedom and the chance to build something for herself.
After gaining her City & Guilds qualification, Shannon secured full-time work as a tiler in Edinburgh renovating properties. She has since become self-employed and now tiles kitchens and bathrooms while building the experience needed to complete her NVQ.
Shannon said:
“This course has taken me 10 steps closer to my dream, I couldn’t have asked to get more from the course. My instructors were great, and I also benefit from ongoing support from Antony, which has been both helpful and reassuring.”
Case study: Tammy, Edinburgh
Tammy also trained with us on the City & Guilds Tiling Diploma Course. After spending years working in various business roles, she decided she wanted a change — something that would allow her to start her own business and spend more time with her young daughter.
Her grandfather had been a builder, and growing up she admired his craftsmanship and attention to detail. Those early influences inspired Tammy to follow a similar path and bring that same care and precision to her own work.
Since completing the course, Tammy has launched her own tiling business working on residential homes in Edinburgh.
Tammy said:
“I wanted to learn everything I needed to know to get out there and start tiling and I feel the course really helped prepare me for this. The post-course support is incredible. You gain access to the many graduates that came before you and can learn from them and the Trades Training Team. The course has allowed me to start my own business which means the world to me.”
Celebrating our female students
Throughout this week we’ve been sharing the fantastic work of our female students across our social media channels.
If you’d like to see more examples, head over to our social media pages where we’re showcasing their work in our posts and stories throughout the week.
Thinking About Learning a Trade?
If you’re a woman who has been considering learning a trade but aren’t quite sure where to start, please feel free to get in touch with our office. Jane or I would be more than happy to have a chat about your options and help you find the right course. You might be surprised where it could take you!
Read more Case Studies here
Contact us here to chat about your options.
Shannon and Tammy, female tilers, on their Wall & Floor Tiling Diplomas
Katie attended our 1 week Plumbing Course to renovate her cottage
Our 1 week Plastering student Amy
Women Learning Trades: Training and Courses
More women across the UK are exploring careers in construction and skilled trades. Training courses can provide the practical experience and qualifications needed to get started, whether you’re looking for a complete career change or simply want to learn new skills.
At Trades Training School, women join our courses for many reasons — from learning DIY skills for their own homes to launching full-time careers in trades such as tiling. Our hands-on courses allow students to start working with tools and materials from the very first day, helping build confidence alongside technical skills.
Many of our female students choose qualifications such as the City & Guilds Tiling Diploma, which provides a recognised pathway into the construction industry and can lead to employment or self-employment opportunities.
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