The Power of Networking for Women in Trades

How connection, visibility, and global collaboration open doors for women building careers in traditionally male-dominated industries:

Have you ever wondered why some women in trades are able to create a career while others just don’t make it?

Most people assume it comes down to skill, confidence, or the ability to “handle” tough environments.

But that’s not the full picture.

The real differentiator – especially for women building careers in trades, construction, and safety – is connection.

Women who grow, lead, and stay in trades are often the women who find community, visibility, support, and professional networks that champion their expertise.

And that’s what emerged when I interviewed Ange Dion, a workplace health & safety professional whose career spans two decades of on-site experience, international consulting, and advocacy for women in trades.

Her journey shows the power of resilience, but even more:
It shows the power of networking, global connection, and women lifting each other up.

The Problem: Women in Trades Often Work in Isolation

When Ange first stepped into the field, women were almost non-existent in trades roles. She shared that in the early 2000s, the industry culture was harsher, less inclusive, and largely unaware of the structural barriers women were facing.

Over time, laws changed.

Behaviours changed.

The culture evolved.

But one thing remained true:

Women who lacked support networks struggled to stay – and struggled even more to grow.

Even today, women in trades face challenges such as:

• Limited peer support
• Fewer visible role models
• Higher pressure to prove expertise
• Being overlooked for leadership pathways
• Lack of access to information and professional development

And in safety-specific fields, Ange sees another issue:

Most small businesses – including those run by women – don’t know what they don’t know.
They don’t know the requirements, the risks, or the systems needed to protect their teams and themselves.

That’s where networking becomes essential.

The Root Cause: Lack of Access to Knowledge & Community

Ange Dion and I discussed how many small-business owners (especially those new to trades or contracting) assume that registering an ABN and getting a business name is enough to operate legally. But they’re often missing:

• HR systems
• Safety frameworks
• Digital reporting tools
• Training processes
• Organisational structure planning

These gaps aren’t due to incompetence. They’re due to lack of awareness and lack of connection with people who can guide them.

Women in trades too often try to figure everything out alone – because they’ve had to be self-reliant from the start.

But today, business growth requires something different:

Access to the right networks, mentors, and global communities.

Watch the Interview below:

The Solution: Strategic Networking That Builds Visibility, Credibility & Opportunity

When you hear Ange talk about her own career evolution, the role of connection becomes unmistakable.

Her business grew because she:
• built trusting relationships
• travelled internationally to train and collaborate
• connected with industry leaders
• embraced global standards
• and positioned herself visibly as an expert in her field.

Networking didn’t just help her find clients – it helped her gain confidence, expand her impact, and advocate for women globally.

This is the same reason Global Business Networking LIVE Online exists.

Women in trades (and women supporting trades through safety, coaching, consulting, HR, or training) often do not get the visibility or recognition they deserve.

But when they show up LIVE on LinkedIn…

…when they share their story…

…when they connect globally…

…everything changes.

Online networking helps women in trades:
• expand beyond local limitations
• meet collaborators and supporters worldwide
• position themselves as experts
• grow their businesses sustainably
• build safety, HR, or trade-based brands with credibility
• become visible — not just to peers, but to decision-makers

Example: Ange’s Global Impact
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Ange shared her experience working in Greece. After a series of workplace incidents overseas, she was brought in to implement safety systems aligned with global best practices.

This didn’t happen by chance.

It happened because she was connected, visible, and trusted.

Networking created:
✔ international invitations
✔ speaking opportunities
✔ global consulting roles
✔ expansion beyond Australia

This is what happens when women step into global conversations.

The Bigger Truth: Networking Is the Pathway to Empowering More Women in Trades

Every woman stepping into trades or safety needs:
• role models
• champions
• professional allies
• global peers
• leadership pathways
• visibility
• community

And the fastest, most sustainable way to access all of that is through strategic global networking.

Not just random Facebook groups.

Not generic “business meetups.”

Not one-off events.

But consistent, structured visibility –
…with guided conversations,
…global introductions,
…and opportunities to be seen by people who believe in what you do.

Call to Action: Join the Global Movement Supporting Women in Trades- find Ange Dion on LinkedIn and connect with her.

If you’re passionate about empowering women in trades, supporting safety leaders like Ange, or increasing the visibility of women-led businesses in construction, manufacturing, and technical fields –

…you belong in Global Business Networking LIVE Online.

This is where:
— women connect across borders
— stories are told
— expertise is showcased
–collaborations form
— and new opportunities emerge

Your network shapes your future.

And for women in trades, safety, and technical industries — the right network changes everything.

AND you are invited to join us for the next Global Business Networking LIVE Online events.

Let’s build a safer, more inclusive, and more connected world – together.

Article Written by Sigrid de Kaste, Creator of Global Business Networking LIVE Online, Global Online Expos of Impact and Founder of Stickybeak Marketing