MAKING AN IMPACT CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (CAWIC) The membership of the CAWIC, a not-for-profit organization that started in 1982 in Toronto, has grown to about 200 current members comprising women employed in construction and related fields throughout Canada. It recently launched a western Canada branch. Its mandate is to increase employment, awareness and development for all women during various stages of their careers in the construction industry. It works in partnership with individuals, foundations, the not-for-profit sector, governments and the private sector to empower girls and women to pursue more careers in construction. As well as networking and fundraising events, courses and educational workshops, CAWIC provides several annual $1,500 bursaries for young women to study at postsecondary institutions that provide diploma or degree programs in construction-related disciplines. Visit cawic.ca to learn more.
WOMEN IN SKILLED TRADES (WIST ) The Enhanced General Carpentry for Women/Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program is offered by the Centre for Skills Development in Burlington in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the Canadian Women’s Foundation and RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario). Eligible women are provided with the tools and training required to launch a construction industry career through in-class and in-shop studies. The program focuses on essential skills training and covers framing techniques, construction theory, roofing, door and window installation, drywall installation and repair, blueprint reading, finish carpentry, painting and interior finishes, stairs and flooring installation. Students also learn about Energy Star practices, the Ontario Building Code, and marketing and communications. The program also includes comprehensive construction safety training. Conestoga College also offers a 34-week WIST PreApprenticeship Carpenter General certificate program to equip women to enter the trade of general carpentry with the basic skills required to secure a position as an apprentice. For information on what other construction/trades careers Ontario colleges offer women, visit Ontariocolleges.ca/
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ONTARIO HOME BUILDER FALL 2021
hire someone who knows someone,” Toivanen says. Further, for older women and those who haven’t had exposure to building or jobsites prior, those attempting to break into the field might be labelled as “challenging” because they need questions answered or mentoring, she adds. “We have got to make more women in the trades visible so other women can see them,” Toivanen says. “In my experience working with men and being the only woman, they are comfortable with me, but there is doubt. Men have a lot more confidence and can ‘fake it to make it,’ and that can be intimidating to women. Having a trades program is great, but if you can’t get an apprenticeship, you’re sunk.” ALL-FEMALE TEAM
One project that has elevated awareness of gender inequality in the industry and the roles women can play is Reina, a mid-rise condominium in Toronto’s Queensway neighbourhood, featuring the first all-female development team in Canada. It’s been spearheaded by Sherry Larjani, founder of Spotlight Development and Taya Cook, Urban Capital’s director of development. “When Taya came to me with Reina, I thought it was an amazing idea and a conversation that needed to happen,” says Larjani. “I didn’t think we’d get the feedback we did. I’ve been reached out to by so many young girls in school who see us as an example and see what is possible for them. It wasn’t hard at all to find capable women for our team, no matter what field they worked in. They had just never been talked about or celebrated.” (Bluescape’s Almey is one of the women on the Reina team.) Stephanie Marton, 22, who holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Toronto, is an assistant superintendent in Mattamy Homes’ urban division. She is currently working on a three-building condo complex in North York where she is involved in every step, from the initial structural work through handing over keys to homeowners. She started working for Mattamy earlier this year and says she’s surrounded by a supportive team. At her previous job, Marton was the only female on site for eight months. “That made my skin thicker,” she shares. Marton says her current supervisor at Mattamy is a mentor, urging her to go out of her comfort zone and let it be known that she’s a valuable member of the team. “I’ve been fortunate to have that and I hope any woman going into this industry has that type of mentor, that rock, who makes sure your voice is heard at the table. I try to be that rock for other women.” “One unfortunate thing that happens on ohba.ca
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