Cassandra Dorrington
President & CEO,
Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
As Canada faces a shortage of skilled workers, the need for diversity in the trades has never been more urgent.
According to Skills Trade Ontario, 2023-26 strategic plan, with a significant portion of the current skilled trade workforce nearing retirement and over 700,000 vacancies expected by 2028, the skilled trades sector is in urgent need of workers and presents a tremendous opportunity for job seekers. To date, these professions remain overwhelmingly male-dominated and lack representation from minority groups. As per the Canada’s Building Trades Union, women make up just 4% of the construction workforce, while Indigenous peoples and racialized communities face systemic barriers to entry. If Canada is to address the looming labour shortage and unlock the full potential of its workforce, encouraging diversity in the trades is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
In the past, the skilled trades were not marketed to the younger generations as a target profession but to be considered as a fallback plan. Today, the skilled trades should be marketed as an exciting career path. Trades offer high earning potential, job security, and the satisfaction of contributing directly to community-building projects. Programming from Techsploration and BOLT Charitable Foundation have started this work by showcasing role models who break the traditional mould, such as female welders, electricians, and crane operators. Expanding such initiatives can help shift perceptions and inspire young people, especially women and underrepresented minorities, to consider careers in the trades.
To break down barriers, systemic challenges must be addressed. For women, workplaces in the trades often lack inclusivity, with persistent issues such as pay gaps, gender bias, and harassment. Minority groups and newcomers frequently face additional hurdles, such as difficulty in getting foreign credentials recognized and limited access to networks that facilitate apprenticeships. These challenges make entering the trades daunting, even for highly motivated individuals.
So, how can we overcome these challenges?
- Build Inclusive Training Pipelines: Pre-apprenticeship programs tailored for underrepresented groups can level the playing field. For example, Trade Winds to Success offers programs for Indigenous learners. Expanding such initiatives can create accessible and clear entry pathways while providing much-needed mentorship and financial support.
- Address Workplace Culture: Employers must create inclusive and harassment-free environments. While we may all be familiar with zero-tolerance policies for discrimination, diversity training for all employees, and ensuring equal pay; let’s also include accessible spaces (e.g. changerooms, washrooms) and proper fitted workwear and equipment. Groups like the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO) and other like-minded groups can play pivotal roles by encouraging members to adopt these practices.
- Simplify Credential Recognition for Newcomers: Governments must streamline the process for recognizing foreign credentials, enabling skilled immigrants to transition into trades quickly. Programs ran by employment service providers like Skills for Change help newcomers navigate these barriers, but more widespread support is needed.
- Incentivize Employers: Offering tax breaks or subsidies like the Canada-Ontario Job Grant to businesses that hire and support diverse apprentices can encourage broader participation. Companies like EllisDon and Colliers Project Leaders have already embraced diversity initiatives and are well-suited for candidates seeking inclusive workplaces.
Encouraging diversity in the skilled trades benefits everyone. A diverse workforce fosters innovation and ensures that the trades reflect the communities they serve. With targeted outreach, better support systems, and a commitment to inclusivity, Canada’s trades can become a beacon of opportunity for all.
By breaking barriers and championing diversity, Canada’s skilled trades can secure the workforce they need while offering meaningful careers to underrepresented groups. It’s time to build not just a stronger economy, but a more equitable one, brick by brick.
To learn more about CAMSC and diverse supplier certification, visit camsc.ca.
