Too often we are asked if women can have a career in the skilled trades. The obvious answer is yes, as IUPAT doesn’t discriminate against anyone joining our Union. Women in the IUPAT participate in many facets of our skilled trades and are very talented at what they do. What trends are showing us that women tend to lean more towards the painting and decorating trades, including drywall taping and finishing. This gives them an opportunity to use their artistic skills in interior decorating. Many women enjoy adding various finishes to walls as throughout various projects, including installing finishing touches around entrances and exits.
The main point of this post is that if you are a woman who is interested in the skilled trades, you should not to be intimidated by the number of men who typically work in the trades. A great advocate of working in the trades is Elem Rinomato, president of Torino Drywall. According to an article in the Daily Commercial News from December 19th, 2012, she can specifically remember how the room got quiet and all heads turned her way when she walked into the smell of smoke at a Union meeting she attended over 20 years ago. That didn’t stop her from becoming a top female leader in a mainly male dominated trade. She encourages women to “listen to your gut” and “don’t change who you are because we are in a man’s world. Be the best possible version of yourself.”
Let’s cut to the chase. If you are interested in working with your hands and getting paid for the things you love to do, then follow your dream. There are many career opportunities in the skilled trades for women and we are happy to welcome you here at IUPAT.
