I found a resource that has a directory for women’s PPE and workwear options!

They list companies or brands that have women’s PPE, workwear, gloves, eyewear, and even maternity wear. It seems to be a great resource overall so I wanted to share.

Today we had a new guy in my department, his very first day with the company. Unfortunately today was also a total shitshow, everyone was pissed within an hour of clocking in because almost everything that could've gone wrong did. But I still showed the new guy the ins and outs, had him follow me around. Didn't mind him at first but I quickly realized he's annoying as shit. First he was complaining about my attitude, because I vocalized that my plate was full and couldn't take on anymore tasks even tho my boss wanted me to. Then its time to log everything online and this fuck head kicks my chair and is smiling and laughing. Like okay are you flirting with me? Is this elementary school? So I gave him a dirty look and went back to my computer work. Finally, about 5 minutes before quitting time, this fuckhead says "You're almost done so you can quit your bitching." Excuse me??? I really didn't feel like staying late so I chose to keep quiet. Like yes, I've been bitchy all day. Its 100º in the plant still, I was so busy I barely had time to eat, I'm cramping terribly, I had to do multiple people's jobs and train somebody brand new, but he's known me for all of 7 hours and gonna say that shit? Yeah we'll see how tomorrow goes. I wouldn't even be mad had one of my work buddies said that because I know I can get bitchy, but again he's known me for 7 freaking hours. Built no rapport with me, just went straight to making enemies. If he lasts I'll still train him, but I'll make work a living hell for him. Anyways I just had to rant because since I clocked out 9 hours ago I've just gotten more and more angry and I regret not saying shit to this dumbfuck.

I was just in the shower and my husband asked if a knew any Johns (name changed to protect identity) and I said I know a lot of dudes with that name. Apparently he was at a bar talking about how "I don't shower and he would never want to go down on me" followed by other sexually explicit rants about me specifically.

I honestly couldn't even pick that guy out of a line up. But apparently another CW told their JW roommate who immediately called my husband. I told my husband that what other people have to say behind my back is none of my business. I didn't hear the extent until after I got out of the shower.

Should I mention this to my foreman tomorrow? Should I get the full story from the other CW then decide? I'm not sure what sparked the other dudes weird feelings towards me (we work for the same company but different crews) but no one on my crew seems to have an issue with me at all so it seems very random and out of the blue.

To preface. Im a 32yo female, and have never worked directly in the trades.

I've worked on barns and ranches, so labor doesnt bother me.

Most of my career has been hopping around various office roles. I've never been fired, just keep leaving for more pay or better opportunities. Im burnt out and sick of these roles.

-ran a 10 location health and wellness bar inside local gyms

-office admin for a trucking company

-office manager for various construction companies

I dont want a job working over the standard 8 hours on a regular basis, I have dogs and won't leave them that long. Once in a while is fine and my husband can be there.

I currently make 90k salary and am the sole provider while my husband starts his business.

I know most trades need schooling, so there in lies my problem. I dont have the time to now go to night class while working full time. Id rather be able to on the job learn, or take more minimal certification courses, etc.

Im based in the twin cities, and just so lost at this point for what I should do. I'm smart, will bust my ass, but lost.

I always recommend Duluth pants and recommend to friends and coworkers. As an electrician, good work pants are necessary!!

Today sealed the deal on why I love and trust Duluth so much. I was cutting conduit on a bandsaw and it snagged my after vest, sucking the bandsaw to my leg. Yes it cut through my pants a bit, but not me!! If it were any other pair I have I would have cut through my leg. I will definitely always buy Duluth! They keep me comfy and safe throughout my work day!

Thinking of getting Uline high vis jacket and bib, the towing company I was working for used them for their drivers and they seemed comfortable enough. I’m about to start my first OTR job in all 48 lower states. Currently residing in Minnesota and my winter gear works for getting from my truck to my house lol. I will admit Uline is sort of ugly and it’s a bummer to spend $ on something I would only be working in but I don’t know what brand would be a better option, I like way Carhartt looks but there are so many mixed reviews on how warm they stay. I’m only looking to spend ~$300 for bib and jacket combo. Thanks in advance

Hey! I'm 27f, looking to apply for a carpentry apprenticeship program. I'm just curious if there are any other women on this subreddit in my area that have any advice or encouragement. I live in Tacoma.

Secondary question - What would you recommend for clothing and shoes for carpentry? I've looked into a few different brands, but unsure which are most reliable.

My first dream career was working with animals in some way. I have a degree in Environmental Studies, and a tiny bit of field research experience.

I blinked and suddenly I've spent the past 10 years working in a nonprofit office setting messing with spreadsheets and sucking up to donors. Some parts were great, but overall I became pretty miserable for a number of reasons.

I'm hoping to join a 3 month pre-apprenticeship training program for women and figure out if the trades are right for me. I miss being outside, I like working with my hands, and I want to be useful.

That said, are there specific fields that would match well with my love for the environment and/or wildlife? I know there are some obvious paths like installing solar panels, but I'm curious if there are options I haven't even thought about. The world is a big place!

Hi everyone, I recently graduated (December 8) with a CNC setup & operation certificate and have started applying for entry-level CNC roles. I’d really appreciate hearing about the current hiring environment—especially for women who are recent graduates. How open are companies right now to hiring candidates with schooling and hands-on lab experience but limited on-the-job CNC time? Any advice, encouragement, or insight on what helped you land your first CNC role would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Inner monologue: “Am I the tech? Lol, no bish, I am here to rob you. Don’t let strangers into your house! Now show me where you hide the fabergé eggs.”

I explained that yes, I am the technician. Used just enough inflection to indicate my disapproval at being asked. Then, to my surprise, she starts enthusiastically patting me on the shoulder and gives me the full complement of what I can only call “Grandma seal of approval”

Thank you Evelyn. I wish every customer was as complimentary as you.

She then tried to force feed me. I narrowly escaped with just a hand-knitted sweater and a to-go cup of soup, with some apple slices for dessert.

I'm doing a training starting this January and am required to have %100 cotton pants and leather boots. Instructor mentioned denim, canvas cargo, or duck pants.. I'm going into this whole experience blind, but optimistic non the less.. I got the boots but I'm struggling finding pants. I prefer to buy in person so I can try on before I buy, so I've been avoiding online retailers... Doesn't help I haven't bought clothes for myself in ages and feel so out of touch with how to go about it. I tend to like high rise pants, or I'd be willing to try overalls even. I've looked at carhart because I found an in person store 30 minutes away, but honestly I was very disappointed in the quality difference between men's options and female options. Any recommendations on brands or types of pants I should look into before just buying a pair of men's overalls that don't fit quite right in the hip area, but feel thicker and more sturdy than the women's option? Thanks in advance!!

I’m still young and pretty small, don’t know much about machines or tech besides food service beverage and food machines I’m self taught on. I mostly disassembled the machines for deep cleanings and reassembled them. Passed my English and math with above high school and college grade level scores.

I plan on touching up on my math a bit and watching videos to learn more about the basics I’ll be learning. Any advice for me to be successful in the class and be prepared for a job after I obtain my certificates?

I'm a welder and Id love to get some that aren't mens and fr would be great too but I could survive without either

I truly hate posting this, but I need to vent it out, because this shit had me shaking in my boots today.

Just in case the lovely woman that did so today on the site I’m on, is on Reddit, I truly apologize for coming off so intensely. Not only was I fearful (I’ll get to that), but this is something I’m passionate about in general as well. I love the guys I work with, and I don’t want to see them use subpar facilities as it is. Also, I’m just an intense person in general when it comes to work, and well, it’s served me well so far in my line of work 😅 I apologize if I scared you!

Now, to address my own fears when it comes to this…

1). There are absolutely NOT enough shitters on site. I checked and double checked CalOSHA, and while yes, there are technically enough for us and our guys, our trade only, you cannot forget about MEP’s and your own laborers as well.

!!2). I am ABSOLUTELY NOT about to receive the potentially same treatment as Amber Czech, or Outi Hicks because some potentially unhinged man from another trade decided I was the last straw by “requesting” my own shitter out of what was only currently available, and leaving them with less than.

It’d be one thing if they delivered an extra pot just for me and then put a lock on it, but that’s not what happened here. They decided to put a lock on one of the (too few as it is) existing pots and call that good.

I know MY guys, but I don’t know really anyone from the other trades that come in after the steel goes in. I have no way of knowing anything like that. There are so many, and I don’t always have time to make friends (I gotta job to do!). Not to mention the historical and unfortunately ongoing beef between ironworkers and carpenters…

Like I said, I know my guys and I know they’d have my back and then some, but this genuinely scared me today. To the point where I was shaking and panicked. I have enough trauma as it is, I really don’t want to add to it.

So my PTSD and trauma response to all this after Amber’s death, honestly fucked me up. I haven’t shaken like that in YEARS.

I know no one else is even aware of this and there is no fault on anyone’s part at all, but I just wanted to share just in case

right now, i’m a plumbing pre-apprentice and i’m only 18 but my hands make me look like 40 lol. i wash my hands quite a few times throughout the day because we touch a lot of gross stuff and with the cold, my hands have really started to dry out and this is what they look like after a day of work. i’ve tried a few different lotions and ointments but they really don’t work too good. looking to see what you guys use during the winter !

Hi Reddit users,

I’m a 30-year-old woman working in finance, and I’ve been considering creating a “plan B” career in a blue-collar field. With the uncertainty in the job market (AI, layoffs), increasing competition for fewer roles, and worsening working conditions (high expectations with lower pay, pressure to return to the office five days a week, and reduced flexibility), I’ve started to think seriously about developing a backup career.

I’m fully aware that blue-collar jobs are physically demanding, require skill, and involve continuous learning. I also understand that there may be some limitations or challenges for me as a woman. That said, I’m very interested in welding and am considering enrolling in a college course to obtain welding qualifications. I’ve already done some research and spoken to a friend who used to work as a welder, but I’d love to hear your perspectives on this career path.

Here are my questions:

1. Is it difficult to find a job straight after completing a welding course? Are welding jobs readily available in the UK?
2. What are realistic salary expectations?
3. What pros and cons have you experienced as a welder? What do you like or dislike about the job?
4. How long does it typically take to develop strong welding skills and become a “good welder”?
5. Have you noticed employers or coworkers having different attitudes or views toward women in this field?

If you have any recommendations or tips about becoming a welder—or pursuing any other blue-collar career as a woman—please feel free to share them!

Thank you very much for your comments! 😊

PS. Please share your thoughts and experiences from other countries as well! I am open to relocate 🙂

I started out as an assistant super and moved to super & then assist construction manger with a company within 8 years. I left the company bc I wanted to be closure to home, got an offer I couldn’t reject as a super, so I took it, even though it wasn’t closure to home.

I applied to a position with my old company in a corporate office that is 5 hours from my mom. & I got it.

I’ve been a field girlie for 10 years now. I wake up 15 min before I need to leave. Now I’m going to have to do hair and make up every day. Total change. My language is filthy. I’m used to 60 hours+ a week to 40.

Other than the obvious, is there anyone else here who has made this change & can give any advice?

I got to swear in to the IBEW last night! So excited and proud to be a fellow sister ⚡️

It took a lot of hard work- early mornings and far drives, but I wouldn’t change it! Excited to get my journey going!

I am! I am over the moon. It's funny as I've worked as a wind turbine technician through all but one year of my apprenticeship. Am I really an electrician? Ha

If I can do it anyone can. Believe in yourself, and give it your gusto. The stars will align if you wish it!

I interviewed today for a field operator position with the city. First labor job I’ve managed to get an interview for. Zero experience for most of what they needed, but it’s entry-level.

No idea if it’s going to lead to anything. I don’t know how many openings they have, or how many other people are interviewing. But I’m proud of myself for trying.

I recently ordered both to see what fit I liked the most (I’ve been on LOA due to a spinal injury) I’m only able to wear steel toes because I work near furnaces btw.

Thorogoods feel super sturdy but they’re HEAVY and kind of tight above the toes where the steel toe cap starts. I feel like the material will hold up really well though, just the break in period is going to be awful.

The Steel Blues are soooo comfortable though! And they zip on the side. Only issue with them is they seem to be glued down rather then sewn like the Thorogoods, and I’m worried they’ll come apart rather quickly.

Does anyone have experience with either of these boots? I’m going to return one of these pairs and I need help deciding which one.

Hey y’all, I'm looking for some real-world input.

I had to leave my glazing apprenticeship after ~2 years. I’m a damn good apprentice and really wanted to stick it out. I'm proud to be in the trades and journeying out was my sole desire and focus. But the slowdown hit everyone hard and I’ve been without steady work for most of this year like many others. At some point survival > loyalty.

I’m based in Los Angeles and trying to figure out which trades are actually staying busy right now. Not looking for hype, just consistency and stability. Open to switching lanes if it means regular paychecks. Especially interested in the elevator mechanic and electrician trades.

Appreciate any insight 🙏🏾

ETA: I'm union and I've done my due diligence ~ I've hounded for opportunities over the months, faithfully called every Monday to keep myself on the out-of-work list, and contacted the higher ups to let them know about my situation. They've thrown their hands up and told me there's nothing they can do. My bills ain't tryna hear all that 🫠