Women in Trades: Overcoming Stigmas and Finding Success with Paige Knowles
In this episode Paige Knowles dives into the value of skilled trades, the stigma women face, and the importance of vocational education. Paige shares her journey, offers career tips, and highlights her influential books and initiatives.
Andrew Brown sits down with the inspiring Paige Knowles, a dedicated trades advocate and author, to uncover the challenges and triumphs women face in the skilled trades. Listen in as Paige and Andrew tackle the stigma of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, the influence of social media in reshaping perceptions, and the competitive wages and growth potential within the trades. They dive deep into the importance of plumbing, the value of vocational education, and the ongoing need for skilled professionals in maintaining our daily amenities.
Paige shares her personal journey from doing DIY projects to pursuing formal education in HVAC, all while breaking down barriers and inspiring others through her books and initiatives. Whether it's advice for young people interested in trades, the benefits of a supportive network, or the practical skills needed for property maintenance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and encouraging stories. Subscribe to stay updated, and join us in celebrating the indispensable role of skilled tradespeople in our economy.
Paige Knowles BIO:
Paige Knowles, who graduated high school in 2020 during the height of quarantine, discovered an unexpected talent and passion for writing and illustrating children's books. Faced with the abundance of free time, she embarked on creating "Plumber Paige: Let's Replace a Shower Head," a book designed to teach kids about plumbing. This initial success led to the creation of a bathroom series aimed at educating children on how things in their homes work. Paige's mission is not just to captivate young minds but also to break down stereotypes in the industry, making it more approachable and inclusive for people of all ages and genders. Through her engaging books, she hopes to inspire a new generation and increase awareness about the importance of such skills.
Paige Knowles Social Media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumberpaige/
- Instagram: @plumber_paige
- LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plumber-paige/
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@plumberpaige
- Website: https://www.plumberpaige.com/
Timestamped overview
00:00 Created illustrations, wrote, self-published on Amazon.
05:13 Learned property upkeep through hands-on experience.
07:24 Gender expectations affect job reception and education.
10:01 Trades starting wage competitive, growth potential high.
13:45 Initial doubt, explained benefits, garnered eventual support.
19:35 VR and apps offer hands-on trade training.
20:58 Self-paced learning tools available in schools.
25:18 Follow your passion; ignore negativity, keep learning.
27:24 Surround yourself with positive, successful, supportive people.
30:04 Find me on social media and Amazon.
Episode Highlights:
1. Breaking Down Barriers: Stigma in the Trades
Paige Knowles sheds light on the challenges women face in the trades, often encountering surprise and doubt on job sites. Despite these hurdles, Paige has found many positive and respectful responses from colleagues, demonstrating the slow but steady shift in industry perceptions.
2. Social Media's Role in Change
Andrew highlights the significant role platforms like Instagram and TikTok play in spotlighting women in trades, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing their extraordinary skills.
3. Competitive Wages and Growth Potential
Paige explains how trades provide competitive starting wages and substantial growth opportunities compared to traditional entry-level jobs. By honing their skills, trade professionals can achieve remarkable career advancements.
4. The Vital Role of Plumbers
Both Andrew and Paige underscore the essential contributions of plumbers to public health and safety. Safe plumbing systems are critical for ensuring clean water, echoing the industry's sentiment that plumbers save more lives than doctors by preventing waterborne diseases.
5. Changing Educational Perceptions
Paige discusses her high school experience, where vocational education was considered a secondary option. She emphasizes the need to shift these outdated perceptions and celebrate vocational paths as valuable and respectable career choices.
6. Family Support and Career Convictions
Paige shares her journey in convincing her initially skeptical parents about her plumbing career choice. By explaining the industry’s potential and versatility, she was able to showcase the career’s stability and growth opportunities.
7. Empowering the Next Generation
Paige encourages young enthusiasts to follow their passions and ignore negativity. Both Andrew and Paige advocate for the importance of a supportive network and the power of surrounding oneself with positive, driven individuals.
8. Educating Through Books and Camps
Paige has written children's books to end the stigma around trades and educate all ages about basic home maintenance. She’s also involved with initiatives like "Let's Build Construction Camp" to inspire and empower young girls.
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