Empowering Women in Trades: A Milestone Program in the Greater Toronto Area
In a remarkable stride towards gender equality in the workforce, seven women in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are embarking on promising careers in the skilled trades, thanks to Blue Door’s Construct program. This local, specialty training initiative graduated its first all-female cohort last month, signaling a significant milestone for both the program and the housing and employment non-profit, which aims to foster greater opportunities for women in this traditionally male-dominated field.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Construction
The Construct program, which received funding in part from the federal government’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, seeks to equip women with the skills needed to thrive in the construction industry, where women comprise a meager five percent of the workforce, as reported by the Canadian Association of Women in Construction. Designed to challenge the status quo, the program consists of eight weeks of combined in-class training and hands-on work experience, complemented by vital wraparound supports addressing the diverse barriers that many women face when pursuing a career in trades.
Nikki Wallis, one of the recent graduates, expressed her enthusiasm: "I really enjoy using the machines and being able to create something with my own hands." She reflected on her personal journey through the program, noting how it helped her overcome shyness and gain confidence. This transformation is precisely what the Construct program aims to achieve—creating a safe space for women to learn and grow.
Comprehensive Support for Trainees
As the program prepares to serve around 270 participants this year, Emmy Kelly, the chief operating officer of Blue Door, emphasized the need for ongoing and flexible support. "We want to increase the number of women who have the opportunity to move into the labor trades," she stated, noting that the program provides crucial assistance with child care, transportation, and other essentials allowing women to engage more fully in the workforce.
The construction industry faces a pressing need for skilled labor—over 350,000 new workers will be needed by 2033 to meet the demands of various infrastructure and housing projects, according to the federal government. By actively recruiting women into this sector, the Construct program is helping to fill a critical void while simultaneously empowering participants.
The Importance of Retention in Trades
While strides have been made in training and recruitment, industry experts assert that retaining female employees remains a vital challenge. Kelly pointed out the caregiving responsibilities that can impede women’s engagement in full-time roles, highlighting a gap that employers must recognize and address.
Environmental specialist Constanza Maass, co-founder of Women on Site, an organization dedicated to supporting women in the construction industry, echoed this sentiment. "The support that we received during training isn’t always present afterward," she explained. Women need a robust community to thrive in their careers; without it, many may feel disenchanted and choose to leave.
Maass’s initiative aims to create networks, mentorships, and community-building opportunities that foster a supportive environment for women and gender-diverse individuals in trades. "It’s critical to have a community that understands and uplifts women in this industry," she stresses, noting the importance of connection and support that are often lacking post-graduation.
Inspiring New Generations
Narin Ismail, another recent graduate, shared her aspiration to become a carpenter. Inspired by the opportunities available through the Construct program, she encouraged other women to pursue careers in trades, noting that a lack of earlier initiatives had dissuaded many young women from considering these fields. "If you’re a woman and you want to get into the trades, it’s not too late," she affirmed, underscoring the growing array of opportunities for women today.
Conclusion
The success of Blue Door’s Construct program not only marks a significant achievement in increasing women’s participation in the skilled trades; it also highlights the necessity of ongoing support, retention strategies, and community building for women in these professions. As the construction industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be vital in not only closing the gender gap but also enriching the labor force with diverse talent capable of meeting the sector’s substantial future demands.
