re: Trade skills are great jobs, but why aren't women being pushed there?

Honestly? Because women spend more time on social media than men. It's a proven fact. Being a pipefitter or carpenter doesn't give them that luxury, as opposed to being behind a desk. If a woman showed up to my house for a plumbing or electrical job, I sincerely would not care, as long as it's fixed. The world needs more skilled workers, and the job market certainly does not discriminate.