Women are helping reshape the future of the skilled trades, but barriers still exist.

In this episode of Skilled Nation, host Jimmy Rhoades sits down with Concetta Defa, electrician, workforce advocate, and host of Hire PowHER, to discuss why the skilled trades industry needs more women, what's changing on today's job sites, and what challenges still need to be solved.From apprenticeship opportunities and workforce shortages to childcare, mentorship, workplace culture, and career growth, this conversation explores how expanding access to skilled trades careers benefits workers, employers, and the entire economy.

Concetta also shares inspiring stories of women whose lives were transformed through careers in the electrical and energy industries, proving that skilled trades offer far more than a paycheck.

They create long-term career opportunities, financial stability, confidence, and generational impact.

In this episode:

• Why visibility and mentorship matter for women entering the trades

• The biggest misconceptions about women in construction and energy careers

• Why employers want to hire more women and what's still holding them back

• PPE, workplace culture, and creating more inclusive job sites

• Why childcare may be the biggest workforce issue facing the construction industry

• How skilled trades careers change lives for single mothers and families

• What women uniquely contribute to construction and skilled trades

• The future of energy careers and why demand continues to grow

• Practical advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship or career in the skilled trades

Whether you're exploring a career in construction, electrical work, HVAC, welding, utilities, renewable energy, or infrastructure, this episode offers an honest look at the opportunities available and the work still ahead.

#WomenInTrades #SkilledTrades #ConstructionCareers#EnergyJobs #Apprenticeship #WomenInConstruction#Electrician #WorkforceDevelopment