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As a female in a hard trade , is it different? Do people expect less or more from you ?
I came into trade school and a lot of people were surprised to hear that i was interested in carpentry i just wanted to know if there is a difference
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Kim’s Answer
Tyra,
I'm not in the skilled trades - but, I did go into law enforcement 38 years ago! I stayed for 25 years.
Working with all guys is different than working with girls, or, in an office environment. Speaking in generalities, since, everyone is different. . .
1. You will have to prove yourself capable of doing the job - but then, all "rookies" do.
2. You will need to establish personal boundaries - some of the guys might make passes at you. You definitely don't want to date people you work with! Also, they sometimes tell off-color jokes or do or say crude things. It's okay to expect to be treated like a lady, and, you can establish that early -on, but, you don't want to get all offended at the slightest thing.
3. Guys want to know that you won't be a snitch. In skilled trades, I don't know where this line is drawn. If someone is violating safety protocols, endangering not only themselves but you as well, and refusing to correct it when you call their attention to it, I think I'd have to report that.
4. Guys want to know that you "have their back." This could be work-related or personal.
In short, do your job. Be darn good at it. Aspire to be that person that others come to for help with the complex problems. Expect to be "tested." Do your best to fit in as one of the guys while still retaining your sense of personal identity. First and foremost, be a professional. Everything else will take care of itself.
I'm not in the skilled trades - but, I did go into law enforcement 38 years ago! I stayed for 25 years.
Working with all guys is different than working with girls, or, in an office environment. Speaking in generalities, since, everyone is different. . .
1. You will have to prove yourself capable of doing the job - but then, all "rookies" do.
2. You will need to establish personal boundaries - some of the guys might make passes at you. You definitely don't want to date people you work with! Also, they sometimes tell off-color jokes or do or say crude things. It's okay to expect to be treated like a lady, and, you can establish that early -on, but, you don't want to get all offended at the slightest thing.
3. Guys want to know that you won't be a snitch. In skilled trades, I don't know where this line is drawn. If someone is violating safety protocols, endangering not only themselves but you as well, and refusing to correct it when you call their attention to it, I think I'd have to report that.
4. Guys want to know that you "have their back." This could be work-related or personal.
In short, do your job. Be darn good at it. Aspire to be that person that others come to for help with the complex problems. Expect to be "tested." Do your best to fit in as one of the guys while still retaining your sense of personal identity. First and foremost, be a professional. Everything else will take care of itself.
Thank you, Kim!
Tyra