Women breaking barriers in skilled trades: Why more young professionals are choosing hands-on careers

Women remain underrepresented in skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work and diesel mechanics, but growing labour shortages and rising wages are making these careers increasingly attractive. Several women working in these fields shared their experiences with CNBC, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in male-dominated workplaces. From financial stability to faster career growth and lower education debt, skilled trades are emerging as a viable and future-proof career path for young professionals.