Effect of mentorship on perceived stress, perceived social support at work, and job satisfaction among tradeswomen in the United States: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Tradeswomen face psychosocial hazards, including harassment and discrimination, associated with adverse health. Mentorship has been recommended but not evaluated as a potential solution. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, women apprentices across the US and Canada were matched with journey‑level tradeswomen trained to provide mentorship in communication, goal setting, and self‑advocacy. Mentees and controls were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: Of 267 women assessed for eligibility, 104 (40%) enrolled. Mixed‑effects regression showed no intervention effect on perceived stress, social support, or job satisfaction. Mentees had a 0.4‑point higher perceived stress score (95% CI: 0.09, 0.71) than controls, and the group‑time interaction was not significant. Conclusion: Larger studies with longer follow‑up are needed to clarify mentorship’s impact on tradeswomen’s well‑being and strengthen evidence for supportive interventions.