Chicago Survey Highlights Skilled Tradeswomen’s Growing Role in Nation-Building
A new generation of women entering the skilled trades is stepping into the spotlight as an essential force in advancing America’s infrastructure, according to a recent survey conducted in Chicago by DEWALT®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and leader in total jobsite solutions. The survey offers an important snapshot of the voices and experiences of women working in construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other trade fields, and it underscores just how central their work has become to the nation’s economic and technological future.
The findings arrive at a pivotal time. With the U.S. expected to invest as much as $2.8 trillion in data center infrastructure by 2030 to support the surge in artificial intelligence and digital technologies, tradeswomen are positioning themselves at the heart of these large-scale projects. Nearly half of survey respondents (45%) said they anticipate contributing to data center construction in the years ahead, connecting their skills directly to the nation’s future competitiveness.
At the same time, an overwhelming 87% of participants expressed that they feel they are playing a critical role in building the country’s future. Almost half (47%) shared that they aspire to take part in larger, more complex projects. These perspectives reflect both ambition and optimism at a moment when demand for skilled tradespeople is at historic highs. The survey was timed to coincide with the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference in Chicago, scheduled for September 19–21, a gathering expected to bring together 5,000 tradeswomen for workshops, mentorship, and networking.
Excitement About the Future of Trades
When asked what excites them most about the future, tradeswomen identified several key drivers. More than half (52%) said they were motivated by the knowledge that their skills will continue to be in high demand, while 51% pointed to advances in technology—including AI—and 49% cited the opportunity to contribute to major infrastructure projects.
The survey also revealed a strong openness to new tools and technologies. A majority of respondents expressed enthusiasm about advanced power tools (53%), AI-powered design or estimating tools (50%), and digital project management platforms (44%). This comfort with adopting cutting-edge innovations suggests that tradeswomen are not only ready for future challenges but are also well-positioned to lead in integrating technology on jobsites.
Positive Career Outlook
Beyond technology and project opportunities, the survey painted a largely positive picture of tradeswomen’s current experiences in the workforce. Nearly nine in ten respondents (89%) said they feel like they belong and are part of their team, and 88% noted they feel supported by their coworkers. Pride in their work was reported by 87%, while 84% said they find their roles exciting. Perhaps most significantly, 91% of respondents said they have confidence in their own skills.
Optimism also runs high: 83% believe the future of the skilled trades is bright for women, and 82% rated career opportunities in the Chicago area as good or excellent.
Maria Ford, president of U.S. commercial and industrial at DEWALT, highlighted the significance of these results:
“Women in construction are eager to play a part in building the future and want to feel supported in doing so. The survey found tradeswomen in Chicago feel they have this support, which is extremely encouraging as we expect 5,000 tradeswomen to convene in the city this weekend. While these results are encouraging, more research is needed to determine whether the outlook of Chicago tradeswomen reflects a national shift. Nonetheless, the findings are exciting and I am hopeful this trend will continue.”
Why Women Stay in the Trades
The survey explored what motivates women to remain in the skilled trades, and the answers pointed to stability and growth. The top reasons included job security (38%), competitive pay (30%), flexible schedules and work-life balance (30%), opportunities to learn new skills (26%), and the chance to work with technology (25%).
Interestingly, many of these same factors also appeared in answers about what might cause tradeswomen to leave, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong pay, stability, and advancement opportunities.
Mentorship and training emerged as particularly critical areas of support. Over half of respondents (51%) emphasized the importance of skills training and education, while 40% pointed to mentorship specifically from women. Another 37% highlighted the value of mentorship from both men and women.
Building Community and Expanding Opportunities
The Tradeswomen Build Nations conference plays a central role in addressing these needs, offering a space where tradeswomen at all skill levels can learn, connect, and share best practices. Through workshops, leadership development, and mentorship opportunities, the event strengthens solidarity and provides tools for retention and career advancement.
DEWALT itself is heavily invested in this mission. Through its Grow The Trades initiative, the company has pledged $60 million toward programs that expand accessibility, education, and resources for tradespeople. The initiative aims to help close the skilled labor gap while empowering workers with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
About the Survey
The survey included 210 respondents, all tradeswomen ages 18 and older working in the Greater Chicago area. Respondents specialized in HVAC (60%), plumbing (50%), electrical (22%), carpentry (13%), concrete (11%), and welding (10%). The group included both English-speaking (81%) and Spanish-speaking (19%) participants. Data was collected online between August 20 and September 5, 2025, with a 95% confidence rate and a margin of error of ±6.76%.
About DEWALT and Stanley Black & Decker
For more than a century, DEWALT has been synonymous with durable, innovative jobsite solutions, designing tools and technologies that improve both productivity and safety. The brand is widely recognized as a trusted partner for tradespeople across industries.
DEWALT’s parent company, Stanley Black & Decker, founded in 1843, is a global leader in tools and outdoor products with approximately 48,000 employees worldwide. Its portfolio of brands—including DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®—supports millions of builders, tradespeople, and DIYers around the world.
This expanded narrative demonstrates not only the pride and optimism of Chicago’s tradeswomen but also their readiness to shape the infrastructure and technology landscape of the future.
