**Chelsea Fenton: Empowering Women in Skilled Trades through TikTok**
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Chelsea Fenton, a seasoned union labourer, has turned to social media platform TikTok to shed light on the untapped opportunities available to women in skilled trades. With nearly 14 years of experience under her belt, she aims to inspire and educate women about the benefits of entering professions that have traditionally been male-dominated.
Fenton, who works as a site foreman for a large commercial project and is affiliated with LIUNA Local 596 based in Holyoke, Massachusetts, has noticed a growing interest from women across the country eager to learn more about working in the trades. Initially starting her TikTok journey with humorous videos about her career, she quickly realised that her content resonated with many potential tradeswomen seeking guidance on how to enter the industry.
“I’ve opened doors for many and found TikTok to be a great tool for organising and sharing valuable information,” Fenton explained. “I want every girl who sees my videos to know that the door to this profession is open, and that there are ample opportunities available to them. It’s not that women lack interest; they simply aren’t aware of what’s out there.”
Fenton emphasises that women can earn over £40 an hour in skilled trades without the necessity of a college degree. With such wages, they can gain access to pensions and receive top-tier safety training. “Many women don’t realise they can earn upwards of £83,000 a year working in skilled trades,” she noted.
Her content covers a wide array of skilled professions, including construction roles such as electrical work and plumbing, in addition to manufacturing jobs like welding. With an optimistic mindset, Fenton shares her vision for a future where workplaces reflect gender diversity. “I hope both my daughter’s job sites and mine will look different in the next decade, moving away from being predominantly male.”
Central to her message is the idea of building a supportive community in the trades. Fenton reflects on her own journey, crediting the friends she has met within the network of tradeswomen for bolstering her confidence and providing a sense of belonging. “Even if I’m the only woman on my job site, I know there are thousands of us out there,” she said, acknowledging the importance of camaraderie among women in the field.
Fenton encourages women not to feel pressured to minimise themselves in order to fit in. “You don’t have to conform to make others comfortable,” she stated. “It’s a lot more welcoming than it used to be, and many are eager to help newcomers in their crew.” Setting clear boundaries early in a career is crucial, as is the reassurance that they do not have to navigate the challenges alone.
Frequently, she is approached with queries regarding age limits for joining unions or starting apprenticeships, as well as how to manage work-life balance, including pregnancy. “I strive to be candid with women about what they can expect in the trades,” she remarked.
Education is another key aspect of Fenton’s mission. She highlights that women working in unionised trades tend to earn 23% more than their non-union counterparts, receiving equal pay compared to male colleagues. “In unionised environments, the wage gap is significantly reduced,” she said, underscoring her commitment to advocating for financial independence among women.
Through her dedication to sharing information and resources online, Fenton aspires to inspire women to consider careers they may never have envisaged for themselves. “To attract the next generation of tradespeople, it’s imperative to utilise platforms like TikTok and engage with young audiences where they spend their time,” she explained.
Fenton concludes with a powerful statement about visibility being essential in her field. “If young people can see others like themselves succeeding in the trades, they are far more likely to take the leap,” she asserted. “Representation is vital; we must show that the door is open, creating pathways for others to follow.”
In this way, Chelsea Fenton is not only carving a path for herself but is also championing a movement to reshape the landscape of skilled trades for future generations of women.