Jessica Milligan
President,
Strathmore
Closing the gender gap in skilled trades is vital for economic growth, innovation, and empowering women with rewarding careers.
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-tolerance policy for any kind of discrimination. All things that would be basic in most industries but can be novel 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.
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.
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 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.
To learn more, visit strathmore.pro.
