Let’s talk about class, perception, and power tools

Why did trades become second-class careers and what will it take to change that?

When I speak to women in construction, especially those just starting out, I’m constantly inspired by how they see their future. They talk about creating new built environments and giving back to communities. They’re drawn to the tangibility of the work, being able to point to something and say, "I helped build that". They see opportunities to travel, to work anywhere, and to run their own business. They talk about career progression and security in a way that feels dynamic and hopeful.

So why, then, are trades still so widely dismissed?

You know the stereotype: construction is for the “naughty boys” at school, the ones who didn’t get on academically. Not something “aspirational.” Not something parents and teachers push young people, especially girls, towards.

I never once had construction or vocational training suggested to me. Even though I was hands-on, creative, and practically minded, I was nudged toward academic pathways. I ended up studying art and design, specialising in textiles at university. That was valuable in its own right, but the idea of going into the trades just wasn’t part of the conversation. Not at school. Not at home. Not in the culture around me.

So I started digging (pun intended). Where did this perception come from?

A short history of status and skills

Historically, tradespeople held great respect. In pre-industrial societies, blacksmiths, carpenters, and stonemasons were essential to community life. During the Industrial Revolution, trade jobs multiplied and could provide high wages, long-term stability, and pride.

But after World War II, a cultural shift took place. White-collar jobs became the new aspiration. They were seen as cleaner, tied to education, and supposedly more “middle-class.” Blue-collar and trade roles, meanwhile, were increasingly painted as fallback options for those with “fewer prospects.”

This wasn’t just about money, it was about status. The division was reinforced by media, class structures, and an education system that prioritised academic success over vocational skills.

That perception hasn’t budged much. Even though trades can offer great salaries, job security, entrepreneurship opportunities, and lifelong learning, the cultural narrative remains: construction is second best.

And for women and marginalised groups, it’s even worse. It’s not just undervalued, it’s seen as not for them.

Rebuilding the narrative

This is exactly what we’re working to change at We Build Too. We want to flip the script on who belongs in construction and what a “good career” really looks like.

We’re creating a platform and community to support women in trades, from information to business skills, to mentorship and visibility. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it, and if the systems around you only value certain kinds of work, it’s hard to imagine a different path.

But we’re not imagining anymore. We’re building it.

A call to action

If you’ve ever felt isolated by outdated ideas of success or if you want to be part of a movement that reclaims the value of skilled work, join us.

• Follow We Build Too on our socials

• Share this blog with someone who needs to hear it

• Subscribe to our newsletter (sign up at the bottom of this page) for updates and stories from women in trades

• And if you’re a tradeswoman yourself, we’d love to hear your story

Because the future isn’t just about building things. It’s about building better systems, opportunities, and spaces where everyone can thrive.