New research from My Local ToolBox is revealing a growing demand for tradeswomen. An analysis of online search trends shows more consumers are looking for females tradespeople for various home improvement projects.

Google search queries such as ‘lady plumber near me’ (+450%), ‘lady painter and decorator near me’ (+125%), and ‘female carpenter near me’ (+100%) have all witnessed substantial year-on-year growth in the number of homeowners searching for them, according to the data.

My Local Toolbox (mylocaltoolbox.co.uk) conducted a survey of 348 homeowners who have used its platform, yielding the following insights:

• 11% of female homeowners expressed a preference for hiring a tradeswoman, with open comments indicating that they often feel more comfortable and safer hiring a female tradesperson.
• 26% of homeowners have previously hired a tradeswoman, indicating a growing trend in hiring tradeswomen.
• 96% of homeowners indicated their willingness to hire a female tradesperson, demonstrating a strong demand for greater diversity in the trades.

However, the gender pay gap continues to put tradeswomen at a disadvantage. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), women working within the skilled construction and building trades sector earned £536 per week in 2022, compared to £600 for men. This translates to women earning approximately 10.6% less than their male counterparts, or £64 per week less.

To access the full report, please visit: https://mylocaltoolbox.co.uk/blog/the-growing-demand-for-tradeswomen/

To shine the light on the life of a female plumber, My Local ToolBox interview Hannah Lewis:

Company name: Plumbing Bird
Name: Hannah Lewis
Location: Winchester
Website – http://www.plumbing-bird.co.uk/

What motivated you to pursue a career in this trade?

Being practical, plumbing suited me more than other trades.

How did you enter the industry?

Through a day taster session at the Plumbing Academy in Kent. Then booked the relevant courses with them.

When did you embark on this journey?

2008

Could you describe a typical day in your profession?

My work largely consists of 3-5 maintenance jobs, for example, gas appliance servicing, repairs, radiator valve replacements, some plumbing maintenance although I prefer heating systems only these days.

What do you find most rewarding about being a tradeswoman?

Building up relationships with my regular/loyal customers, some of whom I can call my friends after many years.

Conversely, what challenges have you faced in your role?

My trade is very physical and I’ve suffered a lot of joint/back problems. However, there are less strenuous jobs that I can specialise in which are less likely to cause problems- eg boiler servicing.

Do you believe being female provides you with any advantages over your competitors?

Yes. Because I’m very unique!

How do your customers respond to having a female tradesperson handling their work?

They generally appreciate it if any tradesperson turns up on time, does the job well and leaves it tidy!

Would you recommend other women to pursue a career in the trades industry?

Yes, there are many avenues within different trades making it possible for women to pursue in certain areas and enjoy a successful career

What would be the best approach for women looking to enter this field?

Look for a college that offers a trade taster day, so that you can decide whether it’s going to be for you or not, before embarking on the courses.

Could you share any advice for women just starting their careers in the trades industry?

It may seem daunting to begin with but if you enjoyed learning the theory and practical workshops of the trade throughout college and did well compared with your male peers, there’s nothing holding you back! You will gain valuable experience through making mistakes, but this is part of getting it right and becoming an expert. As long as you come back and remedy ongoing problems, your customers will appreciate your work and honesty.

Are there any other insights or comments you would like to add?

Just pace yourself, don’t strain your body by accepting too many heavy jobs, or get help with lifting- your body needs to last a lifetime!