Breaking Barriers: The Role of Women in Construction

A Shifting Landscape

Since Dawn Tattle became a partner at Anchor Shoring & Caissons Ltd. in 1986, the construction industry has seen significant changes, particularly regarding the representation of women. Tattle, who took over as president in 1997, recalled how challenging it was to find suitable work gear like women’s boots. During a recent panel discussion at the Ontario General Contractors Association’s Construction Symposium, she reflected on the industry’s evolution and how it has become more inclusive.

Overcoming Challenges with Humor and Resilience

Tattle’s journey in a predominantly male-centric industry has been one of resilience and adaptability. She candidly shared her experiences being excluded from networking events and how she tackled it with humor. Her approach was to embrace every opportunity, fostering connections regardless of the barriers. "One of the big secrets is humor and having a thick skin," she explained, emphasizing that building relationships without seeking special treatment can lead to smoother interactions.

The Untapped Talent Pool

The panel, which included industry leaders like Tammy Evans from the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC), Martha George from the Grand Valley Construction Association, and Harold Reinders from Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd., brought attention to the startling statistics surrounding women in construction. With women making up less than four percent of on-site workers and only about 12 percent of the broader industry, the discussion focused on how to better leverage this "untapped talent pool."

Reinders noted that the low representation of women in construction presents a unique opportunity for change. He encouraged a shift in mindset, urging companies to prioritize skills and capabilities over gender.

The Importance of Skill Over Gender

George echoed this sentiment, passionately arguing against tokenism in hiring practices. "You hate it when it says, ‘We’ve got five men, now we have to have five women,’" she declared. Instead, the industry must focus on hiring based on skills. "If you look hard enough, you’re going to find women that are capable and skilled. If they’re not in this pond, look in another pond."

Attracting Future Talent

A significant part of the conversation revolved around attracting individuals—both men and women—into construction careers. Tattle stressed that the industry’s image must be transformed to highlight its value. She believes that generating interest in construction starts with younger generations, who often view professions without the gender biases of prior generations.

George pointed out that the younger workforce will likely shift the dynamics in the coming years, as they naturally possess a different attitude towards gender roles. However, in the interim, clearer career paths and investment in women’s development in the industry are crucial.

Addressing Educational Gaps

Tammy Evans highlighted an essential aspect of the current educational paradigm, suggesting that there’s a trend to prioritize university education while sidelining skilled trades. To counter this, CAWIC has initiated a comprehensive plan to encourage and retain more women in the industry, equipped with $249,000 in federal funding to facilitate measurable action over the next three years.

Engaging the Community

After the panel discussion, participants engaged in small group conversations, addressing women’s needs in construction, the challenges they face, and employer roles. The need for more openness about women’s contributions to construction was a recurring theme, alongside the importance of early education to reshape perceptions. Many acknowledged that seasonal work and unconventional hours could act as barriers, especially for women who often bear the primary caregiver role.

A Vision for the Future

As the discussion concluded, the focus shifted to changing the image of construction. George expressed hope that efforts to improve the industry’s perception would attract more individuals to pursue careers in construction. She emphasized the shared responsibility of improving the industry’s image and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Conclusion

The panel discussion highlighted the ongoing evolution of women’s roles in construction, underscoring the industry’s capacity for change. As barriers continue to be dismantled and more opportunities are extended to women, the construction industry not only stands to gain from a diversified workforce but also paves the way for future generations to view construction as a first-choice career path. The journey is far from complete, but the tireless efforts of pioneers like Dawn Tattle and her fellow panelists signal a bright future for women in the field.