Tradeswomen Build Nations: A New Generation of Skilled Traders Advancing the Nation's Infrastructure

As the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference convenes in Chicago, a recent survey by DEWALT sheds light on the thoughts and aspirations of women in the unionized construction trades. The survey results indicate a positive outlook, with most women feeling they are playing a critical role in building the nation's future and aspiring to work on larger, more complex projects. The survey highlights the industry's advancements, with women excited about the increased demand for skilled workers and their openness to new technology, including advanced power tools and equipment, AI-powered design or estimating tools, and digital project management tools.

Key Takeaways:

Over 50% of surveyed tradeswomen feel excited about the increased demand for skilled workers in the construction industry, with 45% expecting to be involved in data center projects to support the AI boom.
Most women in the skilled trades (87%) feel they are playing a critical role in building the nation's future and aspire to work on larger, more complex projects (47%).
When considering the future of the trades, survey participants were most excited about their skills being in high demand (52%), advances in technology, including AI (51%), and new infrastructure projects (49%).
Tradeswomen are very open to new technology, with 53% expressing interest in advanced power tools and equipment, 50% in AI-powered design or estimating tools, and 44% in digital project management tools.
Survey participants feel like they belong and are part of the team (89%), are supported by their co-workers (88%), and feel pride in their work (87%).
Eighty-three percent of tradeswomen feel optimistic about the future of the skilled trades for women, and 82% describe their career opportunities in Chicago as good or excellent.
The top reasons for staying in the skilled trades are job stability (38%), good pay (30%), flexible work schedules or work-life balance (30%), opportunities to learn new skills (26%), and working with technology (25%).
Key resources important to tradeswomen include skills training and education (51%), mentorship, specifically from women (40%), and mentorship from both men and women (37%).

Statistics:

45% of tradeswomen expect to be involved in data center projects to support the AI boom.
53% of tradeswomen are interested in advanced power tools and equipment.
50% of tradeswomen are interested in AI-powered design or estimating tools.
44% of tradeswomen are interested in digital project management tools.
87% of tradeswomen feel they are playing a critical role in building the nation's future.
47% of tradeswomen aspire to work on larger, more complex projects.
89% of tradeswomen feel like they belong and are part of the team.
88% of tradeswomen feel supported by their co-workers.
87% of tradeswomen feel pride in their work.
91% of tradeswomen feel confidence in their skills.
83% of tradeswomen feel optimistic about the future of the skilled trades for women.
82% of tradeswomen describe their career opportunities in Chicago as good or excellent.

Sources:

A new Chicago-based survey from DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions.
DEWALT commissioned the survey to better understand the experiences of women in construction and to enable the industry to attract and retain women.
The survey included 210 respondents and yielded a 95% confidence rate + 6.76%.
Responses were collected online between August 20 and September 5, 2025.
The survey ensured respondents were tradeswomen (ages 18+) in the Greater Chicago area specializing in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Concrete, and/or Welding.
About DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions.
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally.