Inspiring Stories of Women Who Switched to the Trades

The decision to pivot into the trades is bold—and for many women, it’s life-changing. Whether stepping away from office work, leaving customer service, or ditching a degree that no longer resonates, more women are discovering that skilled trades offer not only financial freedom but also creative satisfaction and purpose.

Here are five real-life examples of women who made the leap into the trades, proving it’s never too late to start over and thrive.

1. Erica – From Admin Assistant to Electrician

After ten years behind a desk in an administrative role, Erica realized she was burned out and underpaid. “I wanted something that kept me moving and made me feel like I was actually building something,” she says. She enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship electrical program and hasn’t looked back.

Now a certified journeyman electrician, Erica says she finally feels respected—and fairly compensated. “I went from answering phones to wiring custom homes, and I earn double what I used to.”

2. Tila – From Food Worker Manager to Painter

Tila spent her early years working primarily in food service. Luckily she fell into painting while in post-secondary and never looked back.

The flexibility of owning your own business WITHOUT needing an apprenticeship, the low cost of entry (can start with basic tools and work your way up), and being just the right amount of physical labor with a dose of creativity really stuck as the right combo.

“I started school (post-secondary) to make maybe $50k/year, but landed in a career making DOUBLE that without spending a fortune on education!”

3. Tasha – From Teacher to HVAC Technician

After five years as a middle school teacher, Tasha was ready for a change. “I loved teaching, but I couldn’t make ends meet,” she explains. She took night classes in HVAC repair and now works for a commercial HVAC company that offers continuing education and full benefits.

“I’m still solving problems every day—just with machines instead of students. And I finally have time and money for the life I want.”

4. Lena – From Graphic Design to Carpentry

Lena graduated with a degree in graphic design but quickly found herself stuck behind a screen, working freelance jobs that left her creatively drained. “I wanted to work with my hands and see my ideas come to life in a tangible way.”

She enrolled in a carpentry program and now builds custom furniture. “My trade feels like an extension of my creativity. It gave me my spark back.”

5. Jasmine – From Hospitality Worker to Apprentice Plumber

Jasmine had spent over a decade in the service industry and knew she needed something with long-term stability. “I was tired of smiling through double shifts and leaving with aching feet and empty pockets.”

She signed up for a plumbing apprenticeship and now works on residential construction projects. “It’s hard work, but it’s mine. I’m building skills and a future—without student debt or guesswork.”

The Common Thread? They All Took the First Step.

These stories are proof that the trades aren’t just a backup plan—they’re a launchpad for women who want purpose, income, and independence. Whether you’re craving change, tired of being underpaid, or just ready to build something real, the trades are ready for you.

Curious about how to start? Explore our complete Trades for Women guide. It’s packed with advice, career paths, and real-world tips to help you take your first step—just like the women above did.

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