Document Type

Report

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Utah Women Stats Research Snapshot

Volume

66

Publisher

Utah Women & Leadership Project

Publication Date

4-2-2026

First Page

1

Last Page

8

Abstract

Currently more than 8 million people in the US work in the construction and skilled trades industries, which have historically been referred to as “blue-collar” jobs.1 The numbers will likely increase as there is a growing demand for skilled labor across the US because of the retirements of experienced tradespeople and the fact that fewer young people are pursuing these fields. Estimates show that by 2030, more than 40.0% of the current skilled trades and construction workforce will retire, leaving these industries with a critical worker shortage.2 Projections suggest that in the US by 2030, the skilled trades and construction industries could face a historic worker shortage of more than 2 million tradespeople.3 Jobs in these areas have been dominantly held by men. While the skilled trades and construction industries can offer high-paying and in-demand jobs, women currently make up a small percentage of the trades workforce.

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