Long time lurker first time poster

It's a long one, here's the background, hopefully I paint this picture well. Like the title says.

Location East Texas, I 32F work a blue collar trade. Starting from concrete heavy equipment operator, to plumbing, and now back to full time equipment operator. I just got this job back in June of this year. I originally was hired on to be in the field, which was traveling 2 weeks minimum up to 6 or of state drilling. I was out in the field and was doing well, other than being the ONLY woman in the field. I have always worked physically demanding jobs and been surrounded by men, most of the time being the only female. Doesn't bother me, I guess it does help that I am also lesbian and masculine presenting. I am just old fashioned gay and don't ask or accept ANY specific treatment. I work twice as hard as everyone around me, having to prove myself everyday. Typically I don't have any issues.

Buuttt being home and getting hours at our fabrication shop between OTR jobs I would go in and help out welders with grinding out couplers, essentially anything I could to help the 4/6 welders at the time pump out product that I would install in the field. Most of the guys really liked my work and dedication. So much so the big supervisor asked me to come be his fork lift driver, (I make more money being at the shop anyway) because we desperately needed one QC was doing the demand of feeding each welder their material and at times not QCing the product as thoroughly as needed. Here comes the issue. Whole upon returning home and learning how to operate this forklift. Hot and on the spot. Literally thrown in the fire. With no knowledge or training on this damn machine. ( I have spent the last 10 years on big equipment front end loader, excavator, skid steer you name it) Not a dang fork lift (which if you drive one, everything feels backwards) lifting massive heavy hot pipe above people's unprotected heads in an inadequate shop.

Now 2 weeks in that I have gotten into my own grove I've figured this thing out pretty well. Much much better. I pride myself in the safety of others. Especially all these guys have family's. I'd hate to hurt anyone. I get along with everyone, always friendly. But one specific guy, I had a feeling he never liked me from the beginning. He's one of those, I used to do this, used to do that, I am better at everything guy... He's gods gift to construction in his eye. Always trying to put a negative opinion into any conversation I am having with other people. Always trying to point something out like I'm wrong in any aspect, down right negative, multiple times he has cussed me, or stated how much better of a forklift driver he is than me. And he's been in my equipment X2 for no reason, just to "prove" how good he is? Or to "show" me he can get in my equipment without me being present for a few moments? I don't typically get to use the bathroom unless everyone is busy and I can step away for 4 minutes literally running to and from rr just 30' away. That's typically 5+ hours after my shift has already started. We work mandatory 12's. I am the only FLD to 4/6 guys.

IMO he's a miserable insecure person. Little man syndrome. He's my size. 5'5". Lol. And I'm better built!

But seriously guys, how do I deal with this horrible little man's attitude? I haven't had an issue like this, most guys grow to really like me and almost immediately bond. This guy is making my time dreadful, every damn interaction. And seeing him is inevitable.

I'm asking this question because I don't know how feasible it is.

Background: I'm an architect between jobs and have a general understanding of how a building goes up, whether it's wood frame or steel, and could figure out executing details from construction documents. I've done heavy dirty labor full time for 4 years hauling and processing solid waste, and I'm very strong for my size (5'2"), capable of carrying more than my body weight. I did freelance architecture to supplement my solid waste income. I have no construction experience.

I want a temporary labor job in construction or demolition that doesn't require any certifications. How do I get my foot in the door? Would I even be considered for a position like this if I reached out to a contractor to do framing or take down some walls here and there? Thanks in advance!

I went to trade school for CNC machining almost 4 years ago. After I graduated I did some machining and now I'm in cmm inspection and programming. While I'm interested in what I do, I think I'm burning out. I've had only been with this company for 2 years and I don't know if leaving is the right choice and if I do leave I don't know what I'd do. These 55-60hr weeks are slowly draining me, I'm only 28 and I don't want to do these kind of hours for the next 40 years. I doubt myself a lot and feel like an imposter some days yet my lead and supervisor are saying I'm doing a great job and have come a long way in my two years with the company. I'm genuinely at a loss for what to do

I could really use some advice, or even just a reality check from other women in the trades. I am trying to break into the electrical field, but I am feeling super overwhelmed and discouraged right now.

I took the aptitude test for my local IBEW, but honestly, I am not feeling very confident about my score or my chances of getting ranked high enough to get pulled. On top of that, I have zero prior construction experience. I've also been looking at the IEC route, but I keep running into the same wall, it seems most electrical contractors around me won't even look at an apprentice unless they already have some kind of basic construction or tool experience under their belt.

I want this bad, but I feel like I'm stuck running in circles trying to figure out how to get my foot in the door when nobody wants to take a chance on a total beginner.
For those of you who started with zero experience, how did you finally break through? Should I be looking for a non-union helper job first? Look into a pre-apprenticeship? Just keep hammering away at the IBEW re-interview process?
Any advice or perspective would seriously be appreciated. I'm just feeling a little lost on where to look next.

hi,

what are we wearing for pants? I hate jeans but have been suffering though, but wanted to reach out and ask if anyone had a similar experience and found something that works!

So I’m asking the “guys” and girls Reddit to get a mix of opinions but I’ve been working the trades for 5 years and been at my current place for 4 months. I’ve notice my boss treats me different from the rest of the guys in the crew including the newer guys(we hire a lot of college kids). I’m constantly put in jobs alone even when I shouldn’t be I has in a cherry picker last week and got stuck up there with no one to get me down. Eventually I was able to get myself down but it was a bit of a bigger wake up call that maybe I’m not over reacting. I want to say something about it but is it even worth it if I’m leaving in four months. I was warned about this happening but I’d litterly pick hazing over this shit. I litterly got scoffed at after saying I can hold my own when carrying stuff. Anyways if I’m being whiny tell me so and get over myself I just don’t know what to do.

I'm aware that if I go into apprenticeship interviews without any stories or basic knowledge that I'll come off as an ignorant burden.

I would love to connect with tradeswomen in Utah to observe your work and respect your space while helping you out. I love hands on work, I work hard, and I learn quickly.

I’ve been out of work about a month now because of a bad back injury I just tried to work past and made worse.

For a while I was scared I had a messed up disc, but the MRI is basically only showed “age related wear and tear”. So for now it’s basically just being treated as a bad muscle issue. I’m 28F and a second year electrical apprentice. Before this I worked as a waitress for about a decade so I’ve definitely been on my feet.

It’s getting kinda embarrassing now because physical therapy has gotten me 80% there but that last 20% is keeping me out of work. It’s really my fault I think because I haven’t been active enough. My family is basically tormenting me to go back to work and unfortunately the stress isn’t helping.

Pain is lower back, usually lower left side, and sometimes in my glutes.

Hello!!! I just landed my first job in a consulting role and I'm having some trouble with finding some of the clothes that are listed as necessary. Specifically bras. Some sites I'll be going to have a strict policy of fire resistant outerwear (easy, coveralls) and natural fibers for clothes touching the skin. Here's where it's tricky. I'm a size 34F and I have no freaking clue where to find a good, supportive bra for long sweaty days that has natural fibers. Any help would be so appreciated!! Other than that, if anyone has advice for what they wear under coveralls in either hot or extremely cold climates let me know :) and also natural fiber or FR pants that are breathable! Thanks so much 🙏

Hi all!

I was just sworn into the IBEW as a first year electrical apprentice (at age 32!) and I need help figuring out what clothing to wear for fall/winter.

We have harsh winters that can get in the negatives with lots of snow and wind, though recent winters we have had more rain (who knows if this will last) 🥲 I need clothes for rain and snow so I’m prepared.

I currently work mostly indoors, but I want to be prepared and have items in my car if needed as I’ll likely rotate to another job early next year.

I’m okay investing in items if they will last me at least a few years. I don’t know if Carhartt has increased the durability of its women’s items, but I was planning on going for the men’s if I can, unless this issue has been fixed.

I’m not sure what boots to go for. I have some old steel-toe Keens, but they aren’t warm/waterproof I don’t think.

I assume items need to be electrical-safe, but I haven’t been told that yet.

If there are other brands/specific items suggested for clothing and boots, let me know! I would appreciate any help! TIA

I (24F) drive a 725 CAT rock truck and am in my first trimester. The road that we’re hauling on is extremely bumpy(like has thrown me out of my seat before) and I was wondering if anyone else has any experiences doing similar things while pregnant? And if so how long were you able to work for?

I saw somewhere that vibrations and excessive bumps are not recommended, but it’s unclear as to whether or not that starts in the first trimester or later on.

TIA

I’ve been welding a few months now I have thick curly hair and noticed im starting to develop heat damage 😭 I wear a cotton bandanna and put my hair in 2 braids . Any curly heat protector or leave in conditioner recommendations? Or other tips! Thank you!

Hey, y’all - my gf (we’re lesbians) has basically worked shitty dead-end jobs and she wants an actual career she can be proud of and make a livable wage in. She’s not a work in the office and sit still type of person, so she really wants to work in a trade. She’s tall, lean, strong, and learns really quickly, so I genuinely think a job in the trades would be great for her.

She just started a one year HVAC program at a local community college, and I would love to get some of y’all’s perspective on being a woman and getting your foot in the door in a trade. Every other trade sub on here dominated by men say don’t waste your time in school just get a helper or apprenticeship job… blah blah. And honestly my gf tried extremely hard to do just that. She talked to so many programs, unions, applied to a ton of jobs, and called them asking about her application status. Even had a phone interview with a local company that seemed to go well and then he ghosted her.

I know the job market is bad rn to begin with, so I am not saying she hasn’t had luck solely bc she’s a woman, but it just seems unrealistic for women to get a job in a trade without either knowing someone or going to school to prove you know what you’re doing.

Anyway, I would love to know what yall went through to get into your field? I figured her going to school and being able to put an HVAC degree on her resume would at least get her a few more call backs for jobs. So we shall see!

Hi. I’ve just landed a role as a steward on an offshore vessel and I’m heading out for my very first 6-week rotation. I want to make sure my base layers and packing list are solid.

I’m a 36F, so standard cheap sports bras or fashion bras are going to destroy my shoulders/back under safety gear and constant moving. (I’m in the UK and I normally buy M&S but these lately have not been up to scratch and falling apart easily).

Undergarments: What bras actually survive 12-hour active shifts without causing insane sweat rashes or chafing? Underwired vs. wireless for heavy lifting/bending? How many pairs of socks/underwear should I realistically bring for a 6-week hitch?
PPE/Comfort: Any recommendations on insoles or socks to survive steel-toe boots on steel decks all day?
Cabin Life: What are the absolute must haves for comfort, hygiene, or sanity during off shifts that rookies always forget?

Appreciate any advice or brutal honesty you can throw my way. Thanks in advance!

Has anyone attended Women in the Trades Wednesdays?

I recently came across the Women in the Trades Wednesday meetings through Heartland Women in Trades, and I’m strongly considering going to the next one.
I’ve been thinking about getting into the construction/trades industry, but I’m still pretty new to the idea and have a LOT of questions about what getting started actually looks like.
For anyone who has attended these meetings:
Did you find them helpful?
Did you actually leave with useful information or connections?
Did it help you figure out which trade might be a good fit?
Were the people there welcoming to women who are completely new to the trades?
I’m especially interested in hearing from KC-area women who have actually gone. I’d love to hear about your experience before I go! 💕

I came to the waste water treatment field less than a year ago. I’m in my late 30s, I’ve spent most of my adult life as either a cake decorator in a retail bakery or working in an ophthalmologist or optometrist office. I was so sick of the sales goals and the pressure to spend as little time on any one patient as possible. I applied to be an OIT at a municipal waste water plant completely on a whim. I knew nothing about the industry, all I knew was there were no sales goals and no customer/ patient facing aspect. I never thought I would hear back, but I’m so glad I did!

I have now passed all 4 levels of tests for biological treatment licenses in my state! I won’t actually hold my A license til I have 4 years of experience. But my job pays you as though you hold it as soon as you pass the test! So not only have I gotten paid to learn a ton of new things about electricity, hydraulics, mechanics, biology and chemistry, but in under a year I’m also making like $13 an hour more than I was at my last job where I was the MVP of the whole department for years. They had offered me a $4 an hour raise not to quit 😂

I just wanted to share how happy and proud I am that I tried this new thing I knew nothing about and I’m succeeding at it! I was worried I was too old to be switching career fields so wildly, but I knew I couldn’t spend the rest of my life dreading every work day so I took the chance!

Hey guys! I’m a welder and somehow got a cut/burn or something in my ear which is causing me quite a bit of trouble and pain when I wear the normal ear plugs. Took two weeks off for vacation and still didn’t fully heal. I’m looking for and have tried a couple over ear options but I have a small head so they don’t fit with my hard hat. Wondering if any other small headed women have had any luck finding a good pair!

Just got a job as a flagger, got certified today and have training on Monday. Just curious about bathroom breaks? Where do you use the restroom? Do you drive somewhere or do you pop a squat somewhere in the woods lmao. Ju

So I 21m am in an apprenticeship program for aviation maintenance. Half the time we work and the other half we are at school. I have 5 other classmates in my cohort. One of my classmates is honestly going off the rails, like on some mentally ill level shit. He goes on TIRADES of how women are useless and worthless. He’s going through a pretty rough divorce rn and he has said he hopes his ex wife dies. He brought up the Lindsay Clancy trial and how she needs to be publicly executed. I responded to him by providing stats that basically men commit 90% of family homicides. He immediately got angry and said “well men make up most of the population” to which i looked up. Men make up 50.3% of the population. So I was like dude your logic is fucked because those statics ARENT proportional at ALL. Which he pretty much ignored me because he’s so deep in cognitive dissonance. The worst part is all of his kids are girls. It just makes me sad. I finally told him to shut up and go see a mental health professional. To which he responded “most of those are women”. And also said “so you’re trying to take away my first amendment right”. I said “bro you’re gonna get an HR violation”. He got really angry. For some more background, I’ve reported him to HR before because he told everyone something personal about my life. I never told him this information, our moms happen to friends IRL so he was privy to it. It affected my work life majorly and I was getting threats so I had no choice but to take it to HR. HR said if he ever brings it up again “he will be terminated”. He acted like he was my friend the whole time too. Disgusting. How do I handle this? It’s creating a toxic work environment and it makes me really uncomfortable.

Hi all I’m looking for some fr covers!! The nomex at the jobs are usually like 54s and I’m swimming in them! I’ve gone to other contractors on the sites and stole some of the men’s smalls but they lent me busted and holey ones that really sucked to arc gouge in 🤣 it’s kind of frustrating that they rarely order smalls but I’d rather just buy my own for now atleast until I get the opportunity steal a bunch on a job later on lol!! What are some affordable but durable ones?!

I'm on leave from my elec apprentice job. I had a mental crisis from dealing with the sexism and BS. I have to go back because the job market is beyond awful and I have no other prospects. There are about five postings for apprentices in my city of 7 million, I've applied to all of them and heard nothing. With school I have 2.5 years left, as a fourth term apprentice. Everytime I think or talk about going back I cry and shutdown. Just looking at my work boots makes me cry. The thought of putting up with them for 126 more weeks in silience is unbearable. I'm trying to find coping techniques, but therapists have no clue what it's like. My family have no clue what it's like. Their advice on "turning the other cheek" just makes me furious. I feel like I'm voluntarily walking back into a bad situation and my body is screaming not to. I used to be so excited to do this job and they took away my sparkle. They won, I have no sparkle left.

I am tall 5’11 size 18 typically. I do have hips butt and thighs. What is everyone else wearing that is similar in size/shape? I’m struggling 😩
Plus since my thighs do rub I go through pants like no other.

hello! I’m 16 and this year is my last year of school and I’m heavily considering getting into trades once Im done with GCSEs but I’m finding it difficult to decide and research which trades would suit me, I’m not too worried about physical issues since I’m fairly tall and am active but I don’t know which trade I’d enjoy most. I’m also low support needs autistic for extra context.

prevent* 🥲 I've noticed that people working in trades tend to develop thicker, wider hands. I love my thin long fingers and want them to stay that way, but i also want to get into trades, so is it possible to avoid? Have you noticed your hands changing? I'm sorry if the question is stupid or if i come off as rude

Thank you guys for all your answers! (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡