Bridging the Gender Gap in Ontario’s Skilled Trades
In Ontario’s skilled trades sector—encompassing professions like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and construction— a transformative wave is underway. Historically underrepresented, women are now at the forefront of this change, pushing for a more equitable and productive future in the trades. This shift is vital not only for gender equity but also for the economic and social prosperity of the province.
Visual Credit: Joe Holland
The announcement in November 2023 of a partnership between the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) marked a pivotal moment in this shift. With a $100,000 donation to the National Leadership Program for Women in skilled trades, this initiative goes beyond financial aid; it represents a commitment to fundamentally addressing gender disparities in the trades. Andrea Barrack, the senior vice president, corporate citizenship & environmental, social, and governance (ESG) of RBC highlighted the program's dual benefits: mitigating the talent shortage and elevating women into leadership roles. France Daviault, CEO of CAF, further reinforced this point, emphasizing that equitable decision-making and inclusive leadership are essential for boosting recruitment and enhancing productivity within the trades. Therefore, this partnership not only signifies a financial commitment but also signals a broader effort to reshape the trades landscape into one that values equity, diversity, and productivity.
Despite these positive strides, women in the trades, who represent just 5% of the industry, still encounter significant barriers. They face sexism and discrimination on job sites, underlining the pervasive stereotypes that question their competence and right to work in traditionally male-dominated fields. Instances of being overlooked on job sites, experiencing inappropriate comments, and enduring harassment are all too common, as reported by Reta Swift, a carpenter from Hamilton. Swift's experience earning less than her male counterparts and the necessity of a second job during her apprenticeship highlight the financial inequalities that persist in the trades.
The Canadian Labour Market Information Council's 2021 report illuminates these disparities, revealing that women in skilled trades earn significantly less than men. This income gap is partly attributed to women being overrepresented in lower-earning trades. The report also points to the challenges faced by new mothers balancing work schedules with childcare needs. These common experiences associated with womanhood further complicate women's participation in these fields.
Ontario's government recognizes the urgency of this issue, pushing to recruit more women into the trades to meet the province's housing and infrastructure needs. However, it is clear that increasing female representation is only part of the solution. The retention and comprehensive support of women already in the field are crucial, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to foster a supportive environment for women in trades.
The efforts of organizations like CAF, backed by political and financial support, are positive steps toward creating a more inclusive skilled trades environment. However, the true test lies in transforming workplace cultures and attitudes to ensure women are welcomed, valued, and given equal opportunities to thrive.
As Ontario grapples with a skilled trades shortage, the involvement of women is indispensable. The journey toward gender equity in skilled trades is complex and filled with challenges, but the need for change is undeniable. It demands a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure that the skilled trades are not just a viable career path for women but one where they can flourish and lead. The initiatives underway are just the beginning, aiming for a skilled trades sector that fully benefits from the diverse talents and leadership of women.
Arden (she/her) is a second-year Economics student at Queen’s and a Lower Year Intern at Political Digest.