Around these parts, women have a hell of a time getting into the trades. They go to school and get the education then they can't get a job. The owners of these places don't want women working there. The work is often dangerous and they don't want their men distracted by a female on the site. Food got thought: There was a seamstress who owned a shop in town. When the owner retired, there was no one to replace her. Muh 2 cents.