Klein Tools’ State of the Industry Survey Finds Women on Jobsites Becoming More Common
Klein Tool’s State of the Industry survey is something that I’ve come to look forward to the past couple of years. For one thing, I’m a data-driven geek and I love numbers. They help me make sense of the world around me. Klein also helps us understand industry trends that I simply wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. The latest set of statistics released finds increasingly more women on jobsites. It also showed that more women are being encouraged to join the electrical trades.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women represented 2.4 percent of the electrician workforce in 2014. While we don’t have a specific number for 2016, 62% of electricians report having worked with one or more women on jobsites in the past year.
Klein also breaks down the survey into union and non-union members for comparison. Union members (78%) are significantly more likely than non-union members (51%) to have worked with one or more women on jobsites. That’s just in the past year according to the survey.
“This is a good start but is still markedly lower than what we believe it should be. We expect numerous talented tradespeople to retire in the coming years. We need more trained electricians filling in the ranks. Klein supports anyone who wants to contribute to this ever-changing and challenging industry.”
Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools
Keeping it in the Family
The survey also finds a strong correlation between the influence of family and friends and the electrical field. This particularly holds true among union members. According to Klein, family and friends may serve as the strongest influence. This seems to most consistently steer someone towards applying for an apprenticeship and commit to a career as an electrician.
30% of surveyed electricians have one or more other electricians in the family. Union members (39%) are significantly more likely than non-union members (23%) to have another electrician in their family.
- 51% surveyed were encouraged to become an electrician by someone else.
- 92% would encourage someone to become an electrician.
- 64% would encourage their children to become an electrician.
- 30% would specifically encourage their daughter to become an electrician.
“Family is what Klein Tools is based on. It’s important that apprentices have family support when deciding to become an electrician. We know not all students receive the support they need when considering trade schools. We are actively working with apprenticeship organizations to ensure students have access to the resources, tools, information, and leadership necessary to be successful in this industry.”
Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools
Given the statistics, it seems clear that working to maintain a positive view of the industry is important in preparing the next generation to fill gaps in the electrical trade. Personally, I’d like to see some views of what electricians don’t like about their trade. That would give us a foundation to start making improvements and increase the number of people encouraging others to join the field.
