What Empowers You About Being A Skilled Trades Worker?
Mediaplanet sat down with a group of accomplished tradeswomen across Canada to learn about how their work not only empowers them personally but also contributes to a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Their experiences highlight the importance of fostering a culture that values diversity in skilled trades.
JAMIE MCMILLANJOURNEYMAN IRONWORKER AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
The trades gave me freedom. I started by working with tools and ended up traveling the country, meeting amazing people, and building a career I love. What empowers me is showing others what’s possible. I’m proof that the trades can lead to independence, success, and confidence.
MIRA POLSKILEVEL 3 CARPENTER’S APPRENTICE
I feel empowered knowing I can tackle home projects confidently. One Saturday afternoon, my parents needed new stairs for their porch, so I built them myself. The skills I’ve learned allow me to take on challenges like this and make a real difference for my family and myself. While there may be barriers for women in male-dominated fields, I believe the focus should be on treating everyone as skilled tradespeople. I don’t always feel empowered every day, but I still show up and do what I love because it’s the work itself that drives me.
KAYLA BECKETT - JOURNEYMAN
DRYWALLER AND BUSINESS OWNER
I love being the role model that other drywallers look up to for advice on tools, techniques, and investing in themselves. Some even get to try out tools on my job sites. Being a positive, bubbly taper on the job brings light to my work. When others see my clean job sites, my skills shine, but my passion speaks even louder.
JESSICA BANNISTERLEVEL 3 HVAC APPRENTICE
I find the fact that skilled trades careers are so integral to the infrastructure and success of our modern society, to contribute to that is extremely rewarding and empowering.
Equity in Skilled Trades: Respect, Belonging, and Meeting People Where They Are
The skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, shaping the communities we live in and the infrastructure we depend on. Yet, for too long, barriers have kept many individuals from seeing themselves in these vital roles. As we face growing labour shortages and an evolving workforce, ensuring equity in the skilled trades isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a necessity.
At its heart, equity is about respect.
It’s about recognizing that every person brings unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the table. Respect starts with acknowledging people’s individuality, not trying to fit them into predetermined boxes.
It’s about meeting them where they are and understanding what they need to thrive.
This shift in mindset is essential. Historically, many efforts to promote diversity focused on categories — race, gender, age —rather than the intersectional experiences of real people. Today, we understand that
belonging goes deeper than representation; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Imagine stepping onto a worksite where you feel out of place because of your background or identity. That feeling of isolation can be discouraging and, for some, career-ending. On the other hand, consider the power of a workplace where everyone feels they belong—a place where mentors are ready to guide, colleagues collaborate without judgment, and policies reflect fairness and inclusion.
Equity in the skilled trades means removing barriers so everyone can participate fully. It’s providing the right tools, resources, and support for individuals to succeed,
whether it’s flexible training options, mentorship pro grams, or policies that prioritize safety and inclusion. It’s ensuring that respect for humanity underpins everything we do.
As we work toward a more inclusive skilled trades workforce, we must remember that equity isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change. It’s about looking each individual in the eye and saying, “You belong here.” When we do that, we’ll not only build stronger communities but a stronger workforce for generations to come.
Achieving equity in this workforce isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s essential for long-term success.
France Daviault
France Daviault CEO, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum Visi
BUILDING A COMPETITIVE CANADA:
The Urgent Case for Skilled Trades Innovation
Canada is facing a crisis with youth unemployment, and it’s time we start talking about it. ApprenticeSearch.com
Astaggering recent report by Deloitte, entitled: Failure to Launch, noted that 850,000 Canadian youth are not working, in training, or in school. The youth unemployment rate hit 14.5 per cent in August, the highest it has been in a decade. Concerningly, the number of involuntarily unemployed young people has tripled over the last thirty years.
Last month, Kelly Hoey, the Executive Director of HIEC and ApprenticeSearch.com, took the stage at the 32nd Annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards to accept the highly esteemed Social Change Award: National Impact, for her outstanding contributions to Canada’s skilled trades ecosystem, particularly through the launch of ApprenticeSearch.com.
The innovative online platform connecting job seekers with skilled trades employers has now become a critical national resource.
The timing of this recognition is noteworthy. It’s becoming clear that the work of organizations like ApprenticeSearch.com, who are actively embracing the undertapped potential of the skilled trades, will need to be a critical part of a future competitive Canada. While the Deloitte report’s data painted a grim picture of youth engagement in the workforce and the societal impacts, the economic opportunity they identified in fixing this problem is substantial.
crisis, ApprenticeSearch.com has had significant interest and success with the vulnerable groups who have been identified by the report as having the highest rates of unemployment. In fact, the platform is very proud that 47 per cent of its users identify as being part of at least one equity-seeking group. By bridging employment gaps and providing a vital next step for young people pursuing apprenticeship as their post-secondary pathway, ApprenticeSearch.com fosters a more inclusive workforce and continues to transform opportunities across Canada's skilled trades.
Specifically, the report notes that newcomers to Canada are one of the most vulnerable groups facing increased barriers when getting their start in the job market.
It's time for an allhands-on-deck approach, bringing together governments, businesses, educational institutions, and tried-and-true innovative social enterprises like Apprentice Search.com.
Given that we are living in a time when skilled workers have never been more in demand, where is the disconnect?
First, there is still a misperception of careers in the skilled trades. Reshaping these perceptions has been a critical part of Hoey’s mission since the organization’s beginning.
Secondly, for those seeking to join the workforce, the initial steps can seem overwhelming. What sets ApprenticeSearch.com apart is the recognition and leveraging of the importance of the human connection.
“Most people who come to us require more than just a simple employer match — 90 per cent of the job seekers who register with us request individualized support,” said Hoey. “The demand is there, the drive to work is there, the missing piece when it comes to entering the workforce is the lack of network, experience, and skills to advocate for themselves to employers.” Notably, in the context of the youth unemployment
In 2022, Bhanu arrived in Canada from India. He had three years of experience in industrial maintenance and was dedicated to becoming a millwright in Canada. He quickly realized that his ambition would only get him so far; he required additional support. After completing a pre-apprenticeship program, he met Becky, one of the coaches from ApprenticeSearch.com, who visited his campus and informed him of their services. According to Bhanu, that’s when things started to fall into place. Becky guided him through the job search process, helped him tailor his resume to the skilled trades, and worked with him to hone his interview skills. He emerged as a confident applicant and secured a great apprenticeship.
The impact of this type of mentorship cannot be overstated when it comes to bridging the gap to employment with newcomers.
Deloitte projects that a reduction of youth under and unemployment in Canada could result in an increase of real GDP by $18.5 billion by 2034. More importantly, as the authors of the report note, governments need to understand the material social and economic consequences if left unresolved.
ApprenticeSearch.com was pleased to see the Government of Ontario introduce several measures in acknowledgement of the need for the skilled trades in driving economic growth in their recent Fall Economic Statement.
It's time for an all-hands-on-deck approach, bringing together governments, businesses, educational institutions, and tried-and-true innovative social enterprises like ApprenticeSearch.com.
“For more than 25 years, we have been making tremendous strides in workforce development,” said Hoey. “As we continue to expand and adapt to emerging technologies and changing social demands, we remain eager and confident in our ability to be a key part of the solution.”
Kelly Hoey Executive Director, HIEC and ApprenticeSearch.com
Breaking Barriers: The
Critical Need for More Women in Skilled Labour in Canada
Closing the gender gap in skilled trades is vital for economic growth, innovation, and empowering women with rewarding careers.
Jessica Milligan, President, Strathmore
The landscape of employment is evolving, yet one sector remains stubbornly male-dominated: the skilled trades.
This imbalance is not just a matter of fairness; it is an issue of economic growth, innovation, and community resilience.
Attracting more women into the trades is crucial for multiple reasons, and it’s time we take deliberate steps to make this happen.
Labour shortages loom
In Canada, the skilled trades are currently experiencing a significant labour shortage.
According to Statistics Canada, nearly one in five tradespeople will retire by 2028, exacerbating an already critical skills gap.
Women entering the trades can ensure that vital infrastructure work continues without interruption and that communities have access to the skilled professionals they need.
Some of the actions to close the gender gap in the trades need to be macro. For example, the Government of Ontario recently made an important step forward in removing some of the barriers for women entering the trades with its new regulation that will make washrooms on construction sites more women friendly.
Other ways to break down the barriers are more personal. At Strathmore, we have made conscious decisions to address the systemic barriers that have historically excluded women to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. The changes may seem
micro, but they have had a big impact on how we work together.
For example, we refer to "Crew Leaders" instead of "Foremen". We talk about the "teams" doing the work, not the "guys". There is also a zero-tol erance policy for any kind of discrimination. All things that would be basic in most industries but can be novel in trades.
Leading by example
The tone comes from the top. Strathmore is unique in commercial landscape management in our conscious practice of promoting women to leadership positions. We are working with industry leaders from across the country, including The Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University and Action Travail des Femmes (ATF), Quebec to pilot a leadership program for women in trades.
Women entering the trades can ensure that vital infrastructure work continues without interruption and that communities have access to the skilled professionals they need.
The results speak for themselves.
Strathmore is proud to be Canada’s first women-owned national commercial landscape management and snow removal company. Our workforce is made up of 25 per cent female employees in an industry where the average is eight percent.
The skilled trades are an essential part of our economy and our communities. For many
Q & A WITH HVAC Jess
Mediaplanet sat down with Jessica Bannister a Level 3 HVAC apprentice to discuss how her trade both empowers and fulfills her!
When did your interest in becoming a skilled trades start?
My dad was a refrigeration apprentice for his dad back in the 1970s, and my younger brother followed my dad’s footsteps by becoming an HVAC tech right after high school. But a career in the skilled trades was never something I even considered until my 30s. I had an opportunity to work for my dad (in his office), so I was around HVAC but didn’t get my hands dirty until I asked to go on some ride-alongs with them, to see what their days were like. Well, I enjoyed being out in the field way more than I ever thought I would and ended up registering officially as an apprentice in British Columbia. That was five years ago, and I am currently finishing up my last level of refrigeration school to earn my Red Seal.
What advice do you have for young women considering a career in the skilled trades?
My advice to young women considering a career in the skilled trades is to just give it a try. Even if you’re not sure which trade to go into, even if you’re not sure if you’ll stick with the trades for your whole career. You’ll probably discover how much you enjoy working with your hands, fixing real problems in real scenarios for real people, and you’ll hopefully develop a deeper appreciation for those who build and maintain society. The skilled trades are incredibly rewarding and fulfilling careers.
How has the knowledge you’ve gained in your trade helped you in a practical way?
Having a skilled trades career has translated to my personal life in ways I didn’t expect. My career has given me actual life skills and the confidence to use them in my everyday life. Since being in the skilled trades, I have repaired several things around my own home, both earning me respect (including self-respect) but also saving me money!
women, employment in the trades offer a path to economic empowerment. These jobs provide competitive salaries, benefits, and the opportunity for entrepreneurship. By promoting the trades as a viable and rewarding career path, we not only address labour shortages and economic disparities, but we can help women achieve greater economic independence and security while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. It's time to embrace the potential of women in the trades and ensure that these careers are accessible and welcoming to all.
Jessica Milligan President, Strathmore
PPE That Fits Helps Keep Workers Safe
WorkSafeBC guideline helps ensure access to personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits properly for every body.
WorkSafeBC
Ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) fits every worker isn’t just a best practice; it’s a critical requirement for creating safe and inclusive work environments.
A report into the experiences of women in the trades identified that many women listed PPE as one of the top systemic barriers they face when entering the trades. More than 80 per cent of women described experiencing one or more problems with their PPE, including discomfort, reduced mobility, and safety due to issues with size, fit, and selection.
From not being able to use a washroom to excess fabric causing tripping hazards or catching or snagging on equipment, ill-fitting PPE can increase a worker’s risk of injury and illness, as well as have an impact on their comfort and psychological safety.
“We recognize that the differences in body shape and size between workers can make it challenging to find PPE that fits properly,” says Suzana Prpic, Prevention Field Services at WorkSafeBC. “We want to make sure that all workers are protected and comfortable while on the job, and that means ensuring PPE is designed and fitted to accommodate a wide range of body types.”
Ensuring adequate fit for PPE
In November 2022, WorkSafeBC introduced guideline G8.3, Ensuring adequate fit of personal protective equipment, in association with section 8.3(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation. The guideline speaks to the general requirement for employers to equip workers with PPE that provides effective protection to workers and does not in itself create a hazard to the wearer.
The guideline outlines the requirements for the design, selection, and use of PPE that is appropriate for all workers,
and includes specific guidance on how to measure and fit PPE to a wide range of body types.
In addition to ensuring employers provide properly fitting PPE for all body shapes and sizes, Prpic says, employers should stock sizing charts and fitting samples from suppliers for workers to try on. She adds employers could also consider offering alteration services to ensure PPE can be tailored to fit every body type properly. Providing options shows workers they are valued and respected, which in turn, improves recruitment and retention.
Advocating for inclusive PPE
Since implementing the guideline in 2022, WorkSafeBC has engaged with PPE manufacturers and conducted research studies to better understand the PPE currently available to B.C. workers and where the gaps are, especially for women. This engagement and research included exploring inclusive PPE design and identifying barriers to employer uptake of properly fitting options for women.
We recognize that the differences in body shape and size between workers can make it challenging to find PPE that fits properly.
“PPE is the last line of protection,” says Prpic. “It’s important for employers to engage workers in discussions about any PPE concerns, and I hope that workers speak up to their supervisors when PPE doesn’t fit properly.”
Workplace health and safety culture, proactive health and safety management — including reviewing PPE requirements for women — and health and safety performance are all connected.
To learn more about your responsibilities when it comes to PPE, visit worksafebc.com/ppe-that-fits
This article was sponsored by WorkSafeBC
In November 2022, WorkSafeBC introduced guideline G8.3 to help ensure all workers have personal protective equipment (PPE) that fits properly.
