FABULOUS WOMEN OF CANADA, if you’ve never considered a career in the skilled trades, now is the time!

If you’re looking for a career (or second career) that you can count on (no more dead-end jobs), that pays well (no more working three jobs and still having to worry about finances), that offers you a feeling of accomplishment and pride (“I built that!”), then take a chance on the skilled trades. You just might find something you’ll fall in love with! You could even go on to own your own construction business, just like Ani Bogovic and Karma Hunter. Check out their stories.

More and more, women are entering the skilled trades, and thanks to organizations and programs that focus specifically on women, they are succeeding.

“Low-income women in Canada face a larger wage gap with their male counterparts than low-income women in most other OECD countries. Getting more women into skilled trades positions can be part of the solution to changing this equation.”
Marcia Smith, "More women in skilled trades is a win-win," The Globe and Mail

Don’t let traditional gender-based views of careers stop you from pursuing your passion

Worldwide, studies have shown that often women will grow up with a strong influencer – such as a teacher, a guidance counsellor, or a parent – who will guide their student or child into “traditional” careers based on gender. You might not have even noticed it happening.

But think about this: why are careers in the construction industry so “untraditional” for women? Women can handle the same power tools and operate the same machinery as men. Many women love to build things and get a lot of satisfaction from working with their hands – just like many men. So why shouldn’t you pursue a career that matches your aptitudes and abilities – one that you can be passionate about – regardless of traditional views?

Research by BuildForce Canada suggests that a main reason why more women don’t enter the skilled trades is because of the lack of information available for getting started. We're here to change that.

DID YOU KNOW...
The literature reviewed for research on The State of Women in Construction in Canada report showed repeatedly that high school girls see themselves as lacking the intelligence and ability for science, trades and technology careers.

Is a career in the skilled trades right for you?

We’re not going to sugar-coat things – working in the skilled trades is hard work, but if you like a challenge and want a fulfilling career (not just a job), then read on.

To be successful, you need to “pull your own weight” – that means listening, learning, doing – and then you will be respected and treated equally. You need to be motivated, determined and confident, as well as flexible and adaptable. But above all else, you need to have a passion for what you’re doing. If you’ve got that, then there are no limits to what you can do and accomplish!

DID YOU KNOW...
Moxie Trades designs and markets a full line of construction work wear for women. It all started when founder Marissa McTasney ditched her high heels for work boots as she pursued a new career in construction. And thus “The Pink Work Boot” was born. Check out her story on the Moxietrades.com website. They’ve also got a great logo!

What to do next

Use the Career Finder to explore more than 50 careers in the construction industry. It can help you narrow down your options by specifying criteria such as whether or not you want a career that keeps you close to home, do you prefer to work in cities versus remote areas and things like that, which you may need to consider if you’ve got kids.

Learn more about the great organizations and programs that are geared specifically to help women enter and succeed in the trades. Be sure to check out the videos on this page to hear women in these programs talk about their experiences.

If you’re a woman of Aboriginal descent, be sure to check out the section Opportunities for Indigenous people where you’ll find inspiring videos about other Indigenous women and programs specifically for Indigenous people.

Check out the How to get started section where you can learn more about apprenticeships and training in general.

Also check out our Pinterest board, "Women in Construction," for more information and resources.

AND REMEMBER...
The best way to predict the future is to create it.* YOU CAN DO IT!

* quote attributed to Peter Drucker

Videos

Women in piping trades
Career advice for women from some amazing women in the piping trades.
Tracy Lewis: Pipefitter
Tracy turned her life around by finding a career as a Pipefitter.
Women in the Trades with Hon. Jill Dunlop, MPP
Nicole Mahoney - Ironworker
Meet Marissa - Electrician Apprentice
Coming from a retail background, Marissa talks about how getting into the trades changed her life for the better.
Meet Emilie - Red Seal Carpenter
See why Emilie says construction is an amazing place to be.
Change maker
Tammy Buchanan is opening doors for women in the plumbing industry.
Canadian Pioneer: JudyLynn Archer
JudyLynn Archer, visionary leader of Women Building Futures, makes the case for women getting into the skilled trades in Canada.
Women of the Building Trades
Women tradespeople offer inspiration to other women about getting into a skilled trade.
Opportunities in Construction
Industry leaders talk about career opportunities in construction.
Women in Construction
Women tradespeople talk about the benefits of working in construction.
Rachel - Heavy-duty mechanic
As a duel-credit high school student, Rachel is taking one course, but she gets four outcomes. She likes the trades because she likes being active and not doing the same thing every day keeps her interested.
Apprentice Beverly Fagan
Apprentice Welder Beverly describes what she likes about the trade, her path to becoming a journeyperson, and her advice for others.
Apprenticeships & Non-Traditional Employment for Women
Angelica speaks about her life and her relationship with Apprenticeships & Non-Traditional Employment for Women.