Grit, Growth, and Gaining Ground in a Male-Dominated Field: What It Means to Be a Young ...

MarketScale explores young woman Greer Gonzalez's transition from graphic design to HVAC work at Carolina Chillers, highlighting the growing presence of women in skilled trades.

This article examines how 21-year-old Gonzalez traded design software for ductwork in a male-dominated field where only 2% of workers are female. As America faces a national HVAC labor shortage, her story represents the changing face of skilled trades and the opportunities available for the next generation of technicians.

• Gonzalez finds deep satisfaction in hands-on HVAC work while continuing her family's legacy at Carolina Chillers
• Four months into her preventive maintenance role, she's learning from experienced technicians and exploring larger systems like chillers
• She advocates for young women entering trades, emphasizing the importance of accomplishment, independence, and asking questions
• Her journey demonstrates how skilled trades offer viable career paths as infrastructure rebuilding and domestic manufacturing expand