The Growing Presence of Women in Skilled Trades: Challenges and Opportunities

As the call for skilled trades workers in the construction industry continues to rise, women are eagerly stepping up to meet the demand. However, while many women complete pre-apprenticeship programs designed to prepare them for careers in the trades, finding an employer willing to sponsor their apprenticeship can be a daunting task. This article explores the challenges faced by women in the construction industry, including sponsorship difficulties, workplace culture, and retention issues, as well as the positive trends that hint at a more inclusive future.

A Promising Path: The Pre-Apprenticeship Journey

Emily Arrowsmith, director of research and programs at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, recently shed light on the struggles that women face after completing their pre-apprenticeship programs. “They cannot find anyone who is willing to take them on as a Level 1 apprentice,” she remarked during a Women in Construction webinar hosted by the Residential Construction Council of Ontario. Without registration as apprentices, their journey into the skilled trades remains on hold, underscoring a lack of employer sponsorship despite a strong desire among women to enter the field.

A Culture of Bullying and Harassment

The challenges don’t end with finding an employer. Many women working on construction sites continue to encounter bullying and harassment, which can severely impact their mental health. According to Arrowsmith, “Women apprentices are more likely to report mental health challenges than men.” This concerning statistic is linked to their experiences at work, where the environment may not always be supportive or conducive to their success.

The Statistics Speak: An Uneven Playing Field

While the recruitment of women into skilled trades has improved—especially among younger women—retention remains a significant concern. In Ontario, women comprise about 5% of all onsite tradespeople, and across Canada, they represent approximately 13% of the construction workforce. Yet, alarming figures reveal that men still dominate the apprenticeship landscape, with 89% of new apprentices being male. Furthermore, historically, fewer women complete their apprenticeship programs, which is critical for earning the Red Seal certification that opens doors to permanent employment.

Barriers to Retention: A Multifaceted Challenge

Shaily Allison, manager of marketing and engagement at BuildForce Canada, highlighted some of the barriers women face on the job site. These include inadequate mentorship, poor culture, inadequate facilities, and the struggle to balance work with caregiving responsibilities. “To build a truly sustainable workforce, we need to retain those women,” Allison emphasized. Improving site culture and fostering a supportive environment is vital for encouraging women to stay in the trades.

Increasing Representation in the Residential Sector

Despite the challenges, there has been a noticeable uptick in women’s involvement in residential construction. In fact, approximately 13% of the 1.3 million workers in Canada’s construction industry are women, with a significant portion finding homes in finishing trades like painting, drywalling, and carpentry. Leaders in the field agree that the residential sector presents a vital entry point, especially as the percentage of women working onsite rose to 5% in 2023 from three to four percent in previous years.

The Role of Unions in Supporting Women

Lisa Pryce, assistant director of the LIUNA Local 183 Training Centre, shared insights on the commitment of unions to improve women’s representation in construction. By actively recruiting women and engaging with community organizations, LIUNA aims to create more opportunities for women in the workforce. This outreach reflects a growing recognition of women’s contributions to the industry, which Pryce notes as a positive trend.

A Call to Action: Building an Inclusive Future

Despite the existing barriers, the collective efforts of organizations, unions, and community initiatives indicate that the landscape for women in construction is slowly but steadily improving. Although challenges remain, the commitment to recruitment and retention of women in the trades is evident. As stakeholders continue to push for greater inclusivity in the workforce, there is hope that the construction industry can become a more welcoming space for women—a place where their skills and contributions are recognized and valued.

In conclusion, while the road to equality in the construction industry is fraught with challenges, the increasing presence of women in skilled trades serves as a beacon of hope. By addressing the barriers they face and fostering supportive environments, we can ensure that the future of construction is inclusive and representative of all who wish to contribute.