Over recent months there has been a reported increase in the popularity of women's vocational training courses, according to colleges and training providers. Amongst the most popular options chosen by those entering vocational training have been the traditional trades plumbing, electrical work, and decorating.

It is believed that an increase in women undertaking vocational training has been the main cause of the rise, as many vocational course providers increasingly target women. Another potential reason is the attraction of embarking upon a career whilst avoiding university fees, which many perceive to be unaffordable.

Colin Hindmarsh of Harlow College recently stated in an interview with The Guardian newspaper:

"We're finding that our students are becoming more entrepreneurial, they want to be in charge of their own destiny and these sorts of vocational courses allow them to set up their own businesses... We've had a significant increase in the number of women on this kind of course, most noticeably in painting and decorating. At level 2, two thirds of our students are female."

One argument is that the continued gain in popularity of vocational training courses is an unforeseen result of the government's policy towards higher education tuition fees. As more and more young people are put off by increases in university fees, the vocational training sector is well positioned to benefit.  Additionally, the job security and freedom which can come with being skilled in a trade is attractive in light of continued spending cuts, the recent recession, and the subsequent rise in unemployment. Perhaps one of the less discussed attractions to vocational trades for young people, however, is the growth in ‘green' technologies and associated industries. With trades like plumbing and electrical work being essential to the implantation of renewable energy technologies like solar thermal panels and solar photovoltaic panels, the traditional trades may appear more modern and ethically-attractive to young people looking for exciting new careers.

And yet, for women, there is a unique benefit to entering into a skilled trade through vocational training. According to research, women and pensioners are more likely to hire a female tradesperson than a male tradesperson, because they feel safer and more comfortable with them in their home. Given the extra marketability of female trades people, the potential earnings the trades can bring of around £30,000-£50,000, as well as the fringe benefits of being your own boss, it is little wonder women and young people are being attracted to vocational training in such large numbers .

RF Training provide a range of vocational training courses for both women and men, including plumbing and electrician courses.