Diving into 2026 Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are shifting. Employers need hands-on talent, and more women are stepping in. In 2024, women held about 6 percent of welding jobs and 3 percent of HVAC technician roles. That’s still a small slice, but it’s growing, and that matters for filling open roles.

Demand is steady. HVAC is projected to average about 40,100 national openings a year through 2034. Welding shows about 45,600 national openings a year in the same period. Women are already rising to the challenge: The number of women in Registered Apprenticeship more than tripled from 2014 to 2023, reaching over 92,500 active female apprentices.

At Miller‑Motte College, we see women laying clean beads, troubleshooting air flow and electrical faults, and building confidence, one lab activity at a time. Our training programs are career‑focused and can typically be completed in as little as 10 months.

Breaking Barriers and Building Momentum

Currently, women make up about 4.3% of the skilled trades workforce. Women bring fresh perspectives and skills that are vital in meeting the growing demand for skilled workers. 

Even with more women stepping into skilled trades, challenges remain. Many still face outdated assumptions about what “women’s work” looks like, a lack of visible mentors, and gear that simply doesn’t fit. These barriers don’t disappear overnight — but they can be overcome with training, community, and support that meet women where they are.

On the bright side, we’ve seen a range of initiatives aimed at empowering women, like scholarships for construction and welding programs. As these opportunities grow, they help create more inclusive and diverse work environments within the skilled trades.

Learning the Craft: Welding and HVAC at Miller-Motte College

Around here, education is hands-on as early as day one. Our welding and HVAC technician training combines classroom learning with practical experience that reflects real work environments.

Students learn how to read blueprints, set up and maintain tools, and troubleshoot technical challenges. In HVAC labs, they install and service systems, test components, and solve problems under pressure. In welding bays, they practice clean beads, precise joints, and machine calibration.

Each program can typically be completed in 10 months. This fast, focused path prepares graduates for entry-level opportunities. And because many students juggle school with work and family, MMC offers both in-person and online coursework to fit different schedules. For women, it’s an empowering education that helps them pursue opportunities with confidence. 

Prioritizing Safety Gear and Equipment for Women in Trades

Protective gear should do its job — keep you safe, let you move, and last through long days. For many women in the trades, finding gear that actually fits has been a long-standing problem. Loose gloves or oversized jackets aren’t just uncomfortable, they can slow you down and make your work less precise.

Manufacturers are catching up. Major brands now carry lines designed specifically for women, with gear that balances comfort, safety, and range of motion. Helmets are lighter and better balanced, gloves flex without slipping, and jackets are shaped to move naturally without bulk.

This progress matters because safety and confidence go hand in hand. When your gear fits, and you’re not adjusting your sleeve or helmet, you can focus fully on the job.

Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Trades

Skilled trades need more trained professionals. That means opportunity for those ready and able to pick up the skills, men and women alike. Miller-Motte College offers focused programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab time to help women move from training to work with confidence.

If you’re considering welding or HVAC training, now is a strong time to start exploring. You can complete your program in as little as ten months, train on real equipment, and graduate ready for entry-level opportunities in a growing industry.

Your skills will serve a purpose every day — building, repairing, and keeping communities running.

FAQs

How long are the welding and HVAC programs?
Most programs can be completed in about 10 months, depending on your schedule and course load.

Do you offer flexible learning formats?
Yes. Students can attend in-person labs for hands-on training and complete select coursework online for added flexibility.

What type of gear should women look for?
Choose properly fitted PPE made for women’s proportions — helmets, gloves, jackets, and safety footwear. Brands like Miller and Baker’s Gas now offer dedicated women’s lines.

Where can women find community in the trades?
Groups like NAWIC and Tradeswomen Build Nations provide nationwide networks for training, mentorship, and peer support.