Women In Trades: Building A Stronger Future, Together
When you picture a welder, a plumber, a framer, or a heavy equipment operator — do you picture a woman?
At Konstellation, we do. Every single day.
We're building more than workwear. We're building a movement — one where women in trades aren't the exception. They're the standard. And the numbers are backing it up.
The Landscape: Women in Trades Today
The skilled trades have long been a male-dominated space, but the tide is changing.
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Women now make up approximately 11% of the construction workforce in the U.S. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
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In skilled trades roles such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs, women currently hold just under 4% of jobs — but that number has been growing steadily for over a decade.
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The number of female apprentices has doubled since 2014, making up 14% of total apprentices as of 2022.
The industry is shifting. And women are at the center of that transformation.
The Trades: More Than Just Construction
“Skilled trades” is a broad term that includes hands-on careers across industries. Here's a snapshot of key trades and the role women currently play in them:
| Trade | Median Pay (2024) | Female Participation |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,500/year | ~2% |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | $60,000/year | ~1.5% |
| HVAC Tech | $55,000/year | ~2.5% |
| Carpenter | $54,000/year | ~3% |
| Welder | $48,000/year | ~5% |
| Elevator Installer | $88,000/year | <1% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $58,000/year | ~4% |
Why does this matter? Because these are stable, well-paying, high-demand jobs. And yet the tools, the training, and the clothing have often failed to reflect the women doing them.
The Problem With Traditional Workwear
Most workwear is still made for men. That includes sizing, fit, functionality, and design. Women in trades often face:
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Work pants that don’t accommodate curves or smaller waists
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Gloves too large to grip tools properly
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Safety gear that’s either oversized or “pink-washed” and flimsy
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A lack of options altogether in most retail spaces
This disconnect isn’t just frustrating — it’s unsafe and inefficient.
Why Konstellation Exists
We're not just designing clothing. We’re redefining what workwear looks and feels like for women in the field.
Form and Function
Our gear is built for women's bodies and the work they do — with attention to movement, durability, and real-world utility.
Representation Matters
When you wear Konstellation, you’re part of something bigger. It’s about showing up on site and being seen, not as a novelty, but as a vital part of the crew.
No Shortcuts
We don’t compromise on materials, construction, or testing. This is gear made to last — because that’s what the job demands.
Where We’re Headed
At Konstellation, we believe women deserve better — better tools, better work environments, and better gear. We’re here to support the tradeswomen who are doing the hard work of changing the face of the industry.
As we grow, we’re committed to:
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Expanding our product line with feedback from women in the field
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Highlighting and uplifting tradeswomen through our platform
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Creating gear that’s not just built for the job — but built for you
Join the Konstellation
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Tell your story — #SheBuildsKonstellation