Women in Skilled Trades in Ontario, Canada: Breaking Barriers and Building the Future
The landscape of skilled trades in Ontario is changing — and Women in Skilled Trades in Ontario are leading that transformation. Once considered a male-dominated field, today more women are picking up the tools, mastering the craft, and reshaping what the future of work looks like.
From plumbers to electricians and carpenters and welders, women are breaking barriers, building thriving careers, and inspiring the next generation to see the trades as a place of equal opportunity, innovation, and empowerment.
Did You Know There’s a Shortage of Women in Skilled Trades?
Right now, Ontario is short thousands of skilled workers. Electricians, welders, carpenters — you name it, the demand is huge. Between new housing builds, infrastructure upgrades, and industrial projects, the province simply doesn’t have enough hands on deck.
But here’s the exciting part — this shortage is creating space for change. More and more women are seeing the trades as a real, rewarding career path, and the industry is finally starting to make room for them.
Gender diversity is key to bridging the skilled trades gap. When more women join the field, it brings fresh ideas, diverse talent, and a more inclusive workplace for all.
Women Powering Ontario’s Skilled Trades Revolution
Over the years, the Ontario government has launched several initiatives to empower women in skilled trades — from mentorship programs to hands-on training opportunities. While more women are entering apprenticeships than ever before, the demand for skilled talent continues to outpace supply.
With Ontario’s recent $8.6 million investment through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), the province is taking a major step forward. This funding aims to break down barriers, expand training access, and connect more women to stable, well-paying careers in the trades.
Now is the perfect time to spotlight this transformation — to explore how women are reshaping Ontario’s skilled trades, the challenges they still face, and the programs helping them build successful and meaningful careers.
Ontario’s skilled trades future is inclusive, innovative, and powered by women redefining the industry.
Women’s Participation and Growth in Skilled Trades
Let’s look at the statistics on women’s participation in skilled trades-
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The provincial government reports that in Ontario, 374,600 women were employed in a skilled-trades-related occupation, representing 29 per cent of the 1.3 million people working in trades-related roles.
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In national terms, a major report shows that across Canada, the proportion of women in Red Seal trades remains very low, though increasing modestly.
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As of June 2022, only 5 percent of skilled trades jobs across various sectors like construction, manufacturing, and transportation were held by women.
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In Ontario, there is an over 11 percent increase in women enrolling in apprentice programs in the field of HVAC, electrical, carpentry, plumbing and construction for the year 2024-2025.
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But, in the U.S, female apprentices are increasing rapidly, with about 14 percent of active apprentices across the country.
Although the active participation of women is rising in Ontario, it is still far behind the U.S.

Women in Skilled Trades: Key Drivers Behind the Growth
The factors that are enabling the increase of women in skilled trades are:
1. Changing perceptions & awareness campaigns
Long-standing stereotypes that trades are “men’s work” are gradually shifting. Institutions are actively promoting the idea that women belong in trades. For example, the Ontario Colleges website highlights that although stereotypes persist, “with proper training, there’s no reason a woman can’t be just as… capable” as men in trades.
Awareness campaigns and focused outreach (e.g., youth events, school visits) by organizations such as Skills Ontario (Young Women’s Initiatives) help introduce girls to trades early.
2. Influence of early education and career programs in schools
Hands-on workshops for girls (e.g., Skills Ontario events) are helping spark interest early, which is critical for trade pathway decisions.
Pre-apprenticeship “boot camps” or exploration programs for young women provide exposure, real tools, and mentorship in trades like electrical/plumbing/HVAC, which lowers the barrier of “not sure if trades are for me”.
3. Increasing wages and flexible work hours
The skilled trades contain salaries and benefits that are appealing and competitive, along with job security and growth. Therefore, young women are recognizing this as a viable career path. Many employers across Canada are improving their safety standards to encourage inclusion in the workplace along with supportive services.
4. Support from governments and organizations
The Canadian government has been facilitating fully or partially funded training opportunities for women. This offers women an easy way to access education without the associated costs; with suitable education, along with links to employment, this will see more women enter and stay in associated skilled trades over the next few years.

Challenges Women Still Face in Skilled Trades
Despite the positive momentum, there are many significant challenges in the field of skilled trades. These include:
1. Workplace Bias and Gender Stereotypes
For a lot of women, getting into the trades isn’t just about learning the job — it’s also about proving they belong there. Some still walk into worksites where people quietly assume they’re not strong enough or can’t handle the tools the same way men can. It’s not always open disrespect; sometimes it’s just that look or that hesitation before handing them a task. But it adds up.
2. Lack of Mentorship and Role Models
And then there’s the mentorship gap. For years, there weren’t many women who made it through their apprenticeships and stayed long enough to lead. Without mentors or examples to follow, many newcomers felt lost, like they were figuring things out alone. It’s slowly changing now, but having even a few more experienced tradeswomen to turn to can make all the difference in helping others stick it out and succeed.
3. Access to training, childcare, and apprenticeships
Women have to deal with inflexible training schedules, a lack of child-care support, and proper transportation facilities. Traditionally, the skilled trades were done by men. The work environment has been established without keeping women in mind. So, women may have to deal with unsafe changing rooms and a lack of female washrooms during their training programs.
4. Retention and progression
Although women kick off their careers in skilled trades, very few continue to pursue them after a few years. As per expert opinions, women leaving carpentry after two years in Ontario is about 70.8 percent. Without proper retention efforts, it is difficult to contribute to a lasting workforce.

Women in Skilled Trades - Support Systems and Training Programs
Ontario offers a growing array of training and support programs aimed at increasing women’s participation and success in the skilled trades.
Pre-apprenticeship / early exploration program
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The Skills Ontario Young Women’s Initiatives: These include hands-on events, trait-exploration days, and conferences designed for girls in grades 7-12 to try out trades/tech, meet tradeswomen, and break stereotypes.
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According to a blog report by the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, the Gateway to the Trades program is a career exploration and employment readiness initiative designed to help participants gain the skills and connections needed to build meaningful careers in the skilled trades. The program is part-time and facilitated, with women representing about 25% of its participants.
Formal training, college programs, women-specific scholarships
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The Ontario Colleges website “Women in Trades” page encourages women to enroll in trades programs — colleges offer free or low-cost apprenticeships directed to women.
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Women in Red Seal Trades – Growing the Career Ecosystem initiative: in which Ontario colleges (across the province, including Sheridan and St. Clair) received just over CA$2 million in federal funding to enhance the position of women in trades, networking, mentorship, and apprenticeships.
Beyond Training: How Mentorship and Support Systems Empower Women in Trades?
Various initiatives are already incorporating and include mentorship, wrap-around (e.g., career advising, transportation support, safety equipment), and connection to employers willing to implement workplace diversity.
The Sisters in the Brotherhood Capacity Building Project (SIBCAP) for women in carpentry is all about recruitment and retention - building support committees, safe reporting mechanisms for harassment, and the resource network for women.
Women in Skilled Trades, Ontario: Recent Actions and Funding from the Government
The Ontario Government has taken action to support training and targeted initiatives to support women in the trades.
Skilled Trades Strategy & Funding
Ontario has recently announced an investment of more than CA$8.6 million in the Skills Development Fund (SDF) and is expected to assist more than 1,700 women in training for skilled trades throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The investments will provide pathways to meaningful improvements in providing access to pre-apprenticeship bootcamps, experiential in-trade training, mentoring and employer connections.
For example, in North York, the IBEW 353 expects to spend 2.3 million Canadian dollars to expand pre-apprenticeship programs for women and Indigenous peoples.
Policy / Regulatory Initiatives
The Office of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity under the Ontario government has a specific stream: “Women in Skilled Trades Stream” under the Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP).
Regulatory and cultural changes to site design (e.g., women-friendly washrooms on construction sites) have been introduced to remove practical barriers.
Resources for Aspiring Women in Trades
An excellent place to begin looking into trades. Their Young Women's Initiatives organize workshops, mentorship, and networking to encourage and support future tradeswomen.
1. Skilled Trades Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario is your one-stop destination for exploring and advancing careers in the skilled trades. It guides you through every step — from registration to certification — while highlighting in-demand trades and creating clear pathways for women to build successful, licensed careers across the province.
2. Women in Skilled Trades (WIST)
The Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program, offered through several Ontario colleges, gives women a real chance to learn by doing. It’s not just about classroom lessons — they get hands-on training in fields like plumbing, welding, and carpentry. There’s also job placement help and mentors who’ve been through it themselves.
3. Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF)
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) runs the Supporting Women in Trades program. It’s focused on giving women access to funding, mentorship, and more welcoming work environments so they can actually stay and grow in the trades.
4. Colleges and Non-Profits
Colleges such as George Brown, Durham, and groups like YWCA Hamilton are doing great work too. They run women-centered pre-apprenticeship programs, and many offer extra help — things like childcare, job connections, and real guidance — because life doesn’t stop while you’re learning a trade.
UrbanTasker – "Join as a Tasker"
UrbanTasker actively encourages and supports women in skilled trades — connecting them with homeowners and businesses looking for trusted professionals. It’s a great way to gain real-world experience, showcase your skills, and earn while you build your career.
Building an Inclusive Future, One Project at a Time
Ontario is at a turning point. All around us, homes are being built, roads repaired, machines maintained — and thousands of these jobs are waiting for skilled hands. For the first time ever, there's genuine buzz about getting women into these environments. Colleges have new programs, the government is spending money on training, and businesses are finally getting it through their heads that women need to be on every work site, not just the office.
But change requires effort. For decades, trades were considered "men's work." Those antiquated notions don't get dispelled overnight. True inclusion requires more than putting up a help-wanted ad — it's about pay equity, harassment-free zones, fair treatment, and the plain fact that talent is not something that has a gender. Women in the trades are not seeking special treatment; they're seeking a level playing field.
And when they receive that shot, the outcome does the talking. Women bring new perspectives, passion for detail, and a style of working that makes each team stronger. A multicultural crew doesn't simply build better—it builds wiser.
Women in Skilled Trades: The Final Takeaway
As Ontario continues to evolve, the role of women in skilled trades has never been more important. Their presence isn’t just filling gaps — it’s fueling innovation, equality, and progress across industries.
The more voices we bring to the table, the stronger our work and our communities become. So, to every woman considering a career in the trades: this is your time. Ontario needs your skill, your creativity, and your perspective. The training opportunities are ready, the jobs are open, and the future is waiting for your mark. Step in, learn, lead, and build something that truly lasts.
What are your thoughts on how we can inspire more women to join the skilled trades movement in Ontario?
The future of Ontario’s skilled trades isn’t just about mastering a craft — it’s about bringing heart, perspective, and limitless possibility to every project. And that’s exactly what women in skilled trades in Ontario are doing.They’re not only shaping stronger communities but also redefining what it means to build a future rooted in skill, innovation, and lasting impact.
Last Updated:
Nov 10
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