A new study by GoCompare Van has found a growing increase in the number of females taking on ‘trade jobs’ in the UK, especially in London – a space usually dominated by males.

The study which analysed the biggest trade jobs women are stepping into identified a rise in the number of women learning the trade younger. Results found there has been a 366% increase in young females taking on apprenticeships in construction and engineering in the past five years across the country.

For course starters in 2019/20, there were 10,170 females in construction and a further 45,010 enrolling in engineering.

London is the tradeswoman capital of the UK

The capital is leading the way in bringing women into construction. There are 3,930 registered female apprentices across its boroughs, learning construction, planning, manufacturing and more. In Southwark, 31% of apprentices in construction are females, while in Wandsworth (28.28%), Redbridge (16.67%) and Havering (14.55%), high numbers are also raising the national trend.

For engineering London is also has the highest percentage of females. The top boroughs for female apprentices are Lambeth (17.53%), Southwark (17.27%) and Lewisham 15.97%.

The capital’s range of courses, as well as its numerous building projects, allow women to get great first-hand experience on the job, teaching them the skills they’ll need to go on and forge a career.