Moving the Dial for Women in Skill Trades

Mohawk Opening Pathways for More Women in Skilled Trades

Interesting fact - women have been involved in skill trades since 500 BC. According to the Skilled Trades Colleges of Canada, who did research, found that in China, Lady Yun and her husband, Lu Ban, innovated woodworking and the best practices that are still used today. Here's a fun fact: Lady Yun also designed and constructed the first umbrella. In the late 1800s, an engineer, Emily Roebling, took charge of the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. Her husband was building the bridge when he passed away, and when her son fell ill, it was up to Emily to see the bridge to completion.

Despite the long history, women still only make up about 5% of skilled trade workers in Canada. But Jill of All Trades is working to change that number. Since 2014, Jill of All Trades (JOAT) has provided hands-on experiences to young women in grades 9-12 to introduce them to the possibilities of a trade career and encourage them to consider the opportunities and benefits of a future in skilled trades and technologies.

"Putting tools into students' hands ignites curiosity, which ultimately starts the flow of conversation. This true belief is necessary to break barriers," said Lisa Perino, a skilled trade teacher with the District School Board of Niagara  at West Niagara Secondary School.

And that is precisely what Mohawk College did when over 175 grade 9-12 students emerged on the Stoney Creek campus in a day of hands-on, creative learning opportunities.

Perino added, "What makes experiences like this so important is that it allows students who may be intimidated about embarking on trades to feel more at ease. Coupled with the support of showcasing females in trades, it instantly creates a safe space to ask questions.

Jill of All Trades is an example of what is changing for young girls to explore areas like trade, combined with the teachers who are actively still in trade, like I am. Students seeing teachers with a different lens and having honest conversations about paths traveled before embarking on teaching, in my experience, also negate the stigma attached to trades." 

Community partners support programs like Jill of All Trades as they recognize the importance of showing young female's pathways to success to fill the gaps.

“This is a great initiative to get more skilled trade workers into the workforce, and we have some women who come into the store to show us their woodworking projects, and the craftsmanship is fantastic,” said Eli Chaimovitz, Owner and Operator of TEGS Tools & Machinery.  "Throughout our ongoing relationship with Mohawk College, I've admired the teachers' work; it can be challenging. Whenever I see an email or get a call from Mohawk College, I get excited. Mohawk College is one of my favorite customers because its service to the industry is untouchable."

JOAT's hands-on approach provides females firsthand exposure to skilled trades, making these careers more accessible and appealing. “Building networks within the industry and connecting with female mentors and leaders inspires and guides them,” said Erica Chow, Human Resources Business Partner, Stelco.

Employers recognize the high demand for skilled workers. “At Stelco, we are encouraged by the increasing number of females considering skilled trades as viable career options, recognizing the value of diversity in the workplace. Diversity and inclusivity in the workforce lead to a positive and innovative work environment,” added Carley Roberto, Talent and Organizational Development Lead.   

Skilled trades provide a more than viable income and life; teachers like Lisa Perino know that firsthand.  "Being in a trade has afforded myself and my family a beautiful life. I love sharing experiences with students, destroying preconceived ideas about financial capabilities, and understanding that trades are a pivotal part of our economy, infrastructure, and everyday living.  My only wish is that students in high school, at least once in their experience, get to visit and embrace trade-based learning, events, and activities".

Over the next five years, Canada will need at least 75,000 new tradespersons to fill the skill trades gap.  Events Like Jill of All Trades and Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) initiatives will help move the pendulum in the right direction.

More Women Consider Careers In Trades | STC Canada. https://www.skilledtradescollege.ca/blog/women-in-skilled-trades