Despite strides toward equality across many industries, the realm of skilled trades remains one of America’s most gender-skewed sectors. Women make up just 2-3 percent of the nation’s plumbing workforce, and account for only 8 percent of plumbing apprentices—tiny numbers that reflect long-standing barriers to entry and advancement. Across the broader construction trades, women occupy just 3.9 percent of roles like plumber, pipefitter or pipelayer, though this marks a 32 percent increase since 2016, rising to just over 314,000 tradeswomen, according to the Institute of Women’s Policy Research.

Even beyond tool-wielding jobs, NAHB reports that women comprise only 10.8 percent of the entire construction workforce. In light of these persistent disparities, initiatives like UA Local 9’s Women’s Committee—committed not only to recruiting women into plumbing but also to inspiring and uplifting women across all blue-collar fields—represent a powerful and necessary step toward transforming industry norms and expanding opportunity.

UA Local 9—officially the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 9—is a union representing skilled plumbers, pipefitters, HVACR technicians, and similar tradespeople across Central New Jersey. They offer training, apprenticeship programs, member benefits, collective bargaining, and negotiate with employers. Membership of Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters exceeds 2,500, and the group maintains a highly skilled workforce of tradespeople serving a range of sectors, from industrial facilities to residential and commercial projects.

A vision to provide support

A little over a year ago, Local 9’s Business Manager, Mike Tranberg, identified a gap in the workforce that needed support, and decided it was time for change. He recognized the need for a supportive and empowering space for the women in the plumbing and HVAC trades, so he took the lead in forming the Union’s first Women’s committee, selecting Tori Bobal and Nicole Linke to co-chair the committee together and help bring the vision to life.

Leaders of the Local 9 Women’s Committee like to think Tranberg’s inspiration came from recognizing that it was time to move forward, reflect the world we live in, and give women in the trades the space and voice we deserve.

“We believe he saw the value in creating a platform where women could connect, support one another, and lead others toward a career that we’re proud to be a part of every day,” Linke says. “Women are a valuable resource in this industry. We bring skill, perspective and dedication to the job. The committee is a way to amplify that message and ensure that more women feel welcomed and inspired to join the trades.”

The primary mission of the Women’s Committee is to recruit more women into Local 9 Plumbers & Pipefitters, but bigger picture, fill the trades with more women as well.

“Beyond recruitment, we aim to inspire and support women across all blue-collar fields by proving that if we can do it, so can they. It’s about normalizing women in the trades and breaking down the outdated stereotypes that still surround our work,” Bobal explains.

The day-to-day work of any plumber or pipefitter is challenging, and women in the trade face their own set of unique roadblocks to overcome. The Local 9 Women's Committee provides an important support system, giving the women in Local 9 a space where they can be heard and where their concerns or ideas can be shared and addressed.

“We may be few in number, but the committee brings us together, helping us connect and relate to one another over the unique challenges we face in the field,” Bobal says. “Just knowing you’re not alone and that others understand your experience can make a big difference.”

Mentorship and outreach mission

Mentorship is at the core of Local 9 Women's Committee’s values. While the Women’s Committee doesn’t have a formal program in place just yet, it strives to be a positive example for the next generation of women entering our local just as the women before us were for them. “Our goal is to be a trusted resource and a welcoming place where new members can come for advice, guidance, and support as they navigate their careers in the trades,” Linke says.

Bobal, Linke, and the entire Local 9 leadership team are proud of the outreach and representation this committee has been able to provide in the short time since its inception.

Members of the committee have visited countless schools, both trade and non-trade, to speak with students about the benefits of pursuing a career as a union tradesperson. The committee was also honored to have Local 9 women represented for the first time ever at the New Jersey WILD Conference and the Women Build Conference in New Orleans. These events were not only empowering but also provided valuable insight into leadership, growth, and the progress women have made in the trades.

In addition to outreach and advocacy, the group takes pride in giving back to its community. Committee members volunteered their time to work on “Larry’s House,” a transitional home for veterans, in partnership with Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity and Just Believe Inc. “It was a meaningful project that aligned with our values of service, solidarity, and support,” Linke says.

Representation matters, and the Local 9 Women’s Committee is committed to being that representation for New Jersey and beyond. “By simply existing, we’ve created a space where women can come together, share experiences, and feel seen and supported,” Bobal says.

Beyond internal support, one of the biggest focuses has been outreach, making it known that women are not only welcome in this trade, but wanted.

“We actively visit schools, speak at events, and engage with the public to show that the trades are a viable, rewarding career path for women,” Linke says. “Representation matters, and when young women see us in these roles, it helps them picture themselves here too. Through our presence and efforts, we’re sending a clear message: there is space for you here, your skills are needed, and you will be supported.”

Breaking barriers

While the trades are slowly becoming more diverse, there are still barriers to entry that keep women from even considering a career in skilled labor. One of the biggest is the lingering stigma and outdated belief that this kind of work is “men’s work.” The Local 9 Women’s Committee says that while progress has been made, there’s still a need to shift perceptions and normalize women in these roles, both on the job site and in society as a whole.

Lack of visibility and lack of proper training continue to be a challenge – ones that Local 9 is striving to overcome. “When women don’t see others like them in the field, it can feel isolating or even discouraging. Access to proper training, respectful workplace environments, and equal opportunities for advancement are also critical,” Linke says. “We’re working to create a culture where women are given the same chance to succeed, grow, and lead in the trades because breaking barriers isn’t just about getting in the door, it’s about thriving once you’re there.”

Speaking to women who are considering a career in the trade, Local 9 emphasizes that while the work is far from easy, it is some of the most fulfilling work you’ll ever do. “Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, grow, and sharpen your skills. There’s a deep sense of pride that comes from knowing you can build, operate, or fix a system with your own two hands,” Bobal explains. “That confidence and independence are empowering in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it yourself.”

The Local 9 Women’s Committee wants women to know that if they’re thinking about joining the trades, they do belong here. “Your skills are needed, your perspective is valued, and the work you’ll do can truly make a difference for yourself and for the people you serve,” Linke says.

Representation and support only go so far if they are not backed wholeheartedly by business owners and leaders. Unions and contractors play a crucial role in creating inclusive, equitable workplaces, and according to Local 9, the first step is supporting women and underrepresented groups by actively promoting recruitment and retention through targeted outreach, apprenticeship opportunities, and education about the trades.

In addition to promoting recruitment and visibility, creating a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment is equally important. That means zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination, and clear policies that protect and uplift all workers. The committee urges contractors and union leadership to prioritize training not just technical, but also on topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“By being intentional, proactive, and supportive, both unions and contractors can help ensure that the trades are a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed,” Linke says.

Still in its early stages, there is an exciting future ahead for the Local 9 Women’s Committee. “We see the Women’s Committee growing into a powerful force within our local as a driving force for recruitment and industry change,” Bobal says. “We hope to expand our outreach efforts and become a go-to resource for new women entering the trades.”

Linke agrees, adding that the greatest goal is to see significantly more women joining our ranks, staying in the trade, and rising into leadership positions. “We hope our committee will play a key role in making that possible,” she says. “We also want to continue building strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and other locals, sharing what we’ve learned and learning from others.

Ultimately, we want to help create a future where women in the trades are no longer the exception, they’re the norm. And we believe this committee can be part of leading that shift.”