A new analysis of ONS data by experts at The Paint Shed has revealed a significant gender gap across UK trade occupations, with men outnumbering 60 to 1.
Despite modest progress in recent years, women remain vastly underrepresented in skilled trades. The Paint Shed found that out of an estimated 1.7 million tradespeople in the UK, only 25,528 are women (1.65 per cent).
The Paint Shed was encouraged to see that the highest proportions of women in trades were found in electronic trades and painting and decorating. However, the business remains concerned that women still make up fewer than 10 per cent of workers in both sectors.
For many other trades, including the likes of welding, tiling, and bricklaying the number of women employed is so small it is barely measurable in official data.
| Trades employing the most women in the UK | ||||
| Trade | No. of men | No. of women | Total employed | % of women in the industry |
| Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c. | 78,225 | 7,339 | 85,564 | 8.58% |
| Painters and decorators | 90,542 | 8,235 | 98,777 | 8.34% |
| Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers | 11,786 | 1,050 | 12,836 | 8.18% |
| Metal working production and maintenance fitters | 166,290 | 4,285 | 170,575 | 2.51% |
| Plumbers and heating and ventilating engineers | 146,280 | 3,028 | 149,308 | 2.03% |
| Construction and building trades n.e.c. | 203,317 | 3,356 | 206,673 | 1.62% |
| Carpenters and joiners | 180,840 | 1,235 | 182,075 | 0.68% |
Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed commented: “Encouraging more women into trades isn’t just about equality; it’s about building a stronger, more diverse workforce for the future. The idea that certain jobs are ‘for men’ or ‘for women’ is incredibly outdated and harmful. We want tradespeople and trade companies alike to challenge perceptions, celebrate the women already leading in their fields, and inspire the next generation to pick up the tools. Trades should be for everyone.”
Find out more about The Paint Shed here.