Building California’s Future through the Trades
Discover Your Path. Build Your Future.
From high school students to career changers, TradesForAll.org helps Californians explore rewarding careers in the construction industry—with no college degree required.
Discover rewarding careers in construction and the trades. Learn about the different roles, skills required, and what it takes to build a future in this high-demand industry.
Discover the latest news, trends, and policy updates shaping California’s construction workforce. From legislation to success stories, our curated industry insights keep you connected to the issues that matter most.
Great pay, real skills, no college debt. The trades offer a path to a stable, meaningful career—and a chance to build the world around you.
*Center for Construction Research and Training
0
%
of the U.S. construction workforce are women*
About Trades for All
Opening Doors to Construction Careers
TradesForAll.org is powered by ABC Southern California as part of the ERiCA grant initiative to expand outreach, increase equity, and break down barriers to entry into construction careers. We’re helping students, educators, parents, and job seekers understand what it really takes—and what it really pays—to enter the trades.
Our mission is to create opportunity, promote equity, and prepare the next generation of builders.
Average Annual Salary in Trades
0
K+
YoY Growth in Construction Jobs
0
%
Firms Increasing Hiring Plans
0
%
Jobs Added Since Spring 2020
0
M
Build Your Future.
Shape California.
Discover high-paying, purpose-driven careers in construction. TradesForAll.org helps you explore pathways, find pre-apprenticeships, and take the first step toward a better future.
Your Future Starts Here
Why the Trades?
The skilled trades offer more than just jobs, they offer life-changing careers. With high demand, strong starting wages, and clear pathways to advancement, the trades provide an accessible and rewarding future for people from all walks of life. You can earn while you learn, build a debt-free future, and step into essential roles that keep California running. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a new direction, the trades offer real-world skills, real earning power, and real impact.
Earn While You Learn
Skip the college debt. Many trades offer paid apprenticeships, so you can start earning a paycheck while you’re learning the skills of the trade.
In-Demand, High-Growth Careers
Construction and skilled trades are among the fastest-growing industries in California. That means more job openings—and more job security.
Pathways to Leadership
Whether you're starting as a laborer or apprentice, the trades offer real opportunities to move up—to foreman, supervisor, project manager, and even business owner.
A Smarter Way to Succeed
Skip the lecture halls and student loans—trade careers offer real-world experience, fast-track entry, and room to grow.
Build a Better California
From affordable housing to climate-resilient infrastructure, the trades are at the heart of what keeps California moving forward.
Your Future Starts Here
Explore Career Paths
Whether you're interested in electrical work, plumbing, low voltage or HVAC, there's a trade for you. Learn what each path involves, how to get started, how long it takes, and what you can expect to earn.
ELECTRICAL
Start Your Electrical Career
Power up your future with a career in the electrical trade. Learn how to wire homes, buildings, and systems with hands-on training from industry pros. High demand, great pay, and no debt.
GET STARTED!
PLUMBING
Start Your Plumbing Career
Kickstart a reliable, high-paying career with essential plumbing skills. Learn on the job, gain real experience, and get set up for a future with strong demand and solid growth.
GET STARTED!
LOW VOLTAGE
Start Your Low-Voltage Career
Get wired for success with a career in low voltage systems—security, networking, audio/video, and more. Hands-on training and real-world skills that lead to steady, well-paying jobs.
GET STARTED!
SHEET METAL/HVAC
Start Your Sheet Metal/HVAC Career
From heating and cooling systems to custom metal work, HVAC and sheet metal careers offer hands-on work, great pay, and long-term stability.
GET STARTED!
We’re breaking down barriers.
Join thousands of Californians finding opportunity and purpose in the trades
Voices from the Field
“I have been in the construction industry for over 25 years. It has been challenging at times as it can also be very rewarding. The key in surviving this industry is to never give up; no matter what life throws you. It will not be easy, but then again nothing great came at no cost.”
"Construction is a field of opportunity, and women need to bring their strengths and vision to help revitalize outdated norms and standards. Women are creative, adaptable, bright, strong, and are good at multi-tasking. These are all qualities that bring value to the construction trade."
"I enjoy creating purpose out of what once was material and putting it to use for others."
"There are so many opportunities to grow in an industry that offers long-term stability, professional development, and the chance to make a tangible impact. Construction allows women to build meaningful careers, develop leadership skills, and contribute to projects that directly serve communities."
“My number one motivation is my son. I want to give him a good life. Being an electrician is allowing me to do that for him. He just turned 7 and is starting to play soccer. There are so many opportunities for you in the electrical trade. The more you learn and understand, you’ll always have a job in this field.”
“When I first joined the industry in 2000, there were hardly any women in construction. There were no sales or upper management positions. It was because of this that I went the operations route and learned the business from the ground up. Doing this allowed me to excel and become the youngest woman branch manager in our company.”
“I was stuck in the career I was in and didn’t want to move up. I was one year into my sobriety and decided to start fresh with something I had never done or even was interested in. I chose electrical and a year into my schooling I applied at Sunwest and they gave me the opportunity to start my career with them.”
“The best advice I can give to women wanting to enter the construction industry is to find a company that values employees and supports a team environment.”
“The times are changing, and so are the trade opportunities for women. There’s more growth and leadership opportunities.”
“It's rewarding to be able to gain the skills to be self sufficient doing hands-on type of work. Being a part of a field that isn't the norm for women means I can be a role model for other women who are probably hesitant to try.”
“Never let anyone minimize your accomplishments or experiences. If (and when) you have a bad day, remember you had the courage as a woman to step into the construction industry. So, strut those steel toes onto that jobsite, supply house, or the office with your head up high and own who you are.”
“I think in certain ways women have a different approach or thought process, which can provide unique points of view when analyzing and planning. Additionally, I contribute to breaking down gender stereotypes and barriers, paving the way for greater equality and representation in industry.”
"My best advice to women wanting to enter the construction industry is to be confident in your abilities and commit to continuously learning. Take the time to understand the technical aspects of the field, ask questions, and seek out mentors who can support your growth. Construction is a fast-paced, results-driven industry, and preparation and professionalism go a long way in building credibility."
“The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to support tradesmen and tradeswomen from the beginning of their education, to graduation and into their career. It is rewarding to see their hard work pay off and to see the way Milwaukee makes a positive impact during the course of their career.”
“My best advice to women who want to enter the construction industry is to research and network. I have found several resources dedicated to helping women in the trades that I didn’t know existed. If you can find a mentor even better.”
"I have learned so many things, personally and professionally from the construction industry. There are many opportunities to be had, whether in office or in the field. It is not a one-size fits all."
"I have learned so many things, personally and professionally from the construction industry. There are many opportunities to be had, whether in office or in the field. It is not a one-size fits all."
"It's empowering to make big girl money, be self sufficient and capable."
"There are so many opportunities to grow in an industry that offers long-term stability, professional development, and the chance to make a tangible impact. Construction allows women to build meaningful careers, develop leadership skills, and contribute to projects that directly serve communities."
"As a woman, I believe I naturally lead with greater empathy and bring emotional intelligence, collaborative problem solving skills with clarity, and strong listening skills which helps bridge the gap between technical execution and client experience. I strongly believe the industry benefits when diverse perspectives are present that enhances teamwork and elevates the overall client experience."
"Construction is an industry that has something for everyone. The vast opportunities for career growth, development, education and achieving goals that are long lasting, collaborative, and personal, bring a level of excitement and opportunities that other fields do not come close to. Women thrive in construction as we are problem solvers, good communicators, and committed to achieving wins big and small."
"Knowing I am a part of Fire/Life Safety Systems is the most rewarding part of my job. It helps save lives!"
"I have always been fascinated by buildings and often found myself hand-sketching floor plans of houses. I've always been inspired by the creativity behind building design and the vision that brings projects to life. That interest ultimately led me to pursue work in AutoCAD, Revit, Naviswork, Bluebeam and many other construction platforms."
"Entering a male-dominated industry without construction experience was initially intimidating. I had to learn quickly while building credibility and trust. Over time, consistency, knowledge, and strong communication helped establish my role and voice."
"I would encourage women to join this industry because it's powerful to step into spaces where we're not always expected and prove that we absolutely belong."
Industry News & Updates
Stay informed with the latest headlines, trends, and opportunities shaping California’s construction workforce.
How California Apprenticeship Women Can Spot Workplaces Where They Will Thrive
California apprenticeship women need more than a way into the...
Read More
How Women in the Trades California Can Turn a First Job Into a Lasting Construction Career
Women in the trades California need more than a way...
Read More
Women in Trades Mentorship California: How to Find Credible Support Faster
Women in trades mentorship california is easiest to navigate when...
Read MoreReal People. Real Journeys. Real Opportunity.
California’s construction industry is changing—and you can be a part of it. Whether you're just getting started or looking to pivot into a meaningful, high-demand career, the skilled trades offer a path forward built on purpose, pride, and possibility.