LET'S CELEBRATE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION TRADES
We should be encouraging young people to pursue any career avenue they choose
There's been a lot to celebrate this week: Women in Construction Week and International Women's Day on March 8.
I'm lucky that I convinced my daughter, Sherry, at the age of
21, to give construction work a try. And look at her now: She's an accomplished contractor, tiler, part-time designer, TV host, ambassador, a role model for the skilled trades and a mom of two girls. I'm so proud of her. I love seeing more women get into construction and the skilled trades.
But not everyone is lucky enough to have a dad as a mentor who also happens to be in construction. So, what do you do if you think you might like to try a career in construction or the skilled trades?
The first thing we need to do as a community is to start the conversation at a young age. Parents need to know that not every kid needs to become a doctor or a lawyer. Doctors and lawyers can help keep you healthy and safe, but they can't build your homes, roads, hospitals, institutions and buildings. I'm not saying they are not great career choices.
They certainly are, but there is a whole sector of undervalued and underutilized career options in the skilled trades and construction sector — great career choices for any young person, but particularly for young women.
We need to educate our young girls and women and let them know it's OK to try something untraditional and that, in the past, has typically been male-dominated. It's also essential for us as a community to break down these barriers and stereotypes. We need to be more inclusive. Not every young woman will want to consider a skilled trade or construction career, but we need to let them know it's a viable option to consider.
Many young girls and women are unaware of the many exciting and lucrative job options available in the skilled professions because they have not been exposed to or educated on the many options available. It's important to note that the skilled trades don't just include construction. They include automotive, manufacturing and service trades.
I think excluding women is a massive blow to the entire industry. Women are hardworking, intelligent and motivated individuals who can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I work with many women across many industry sectors, and they are all passionate and supportive of the next generation. A lot of the work involves working with your hands and doing your job, which is hugely gratifying. You can say, “look what I made with my hands,” or “look what I helped build.” I know I get a huge sense of pride and accomplishment on every job I do — even now after all these years.
One of my newest builder partners is run by a woman who also happens to be a master electrician, a heavy equipment operator, an AZ/DZ truck driver and a fourth-term carpenter apprentice. Amazing! What an accomplishment — and those are all male-dominated fields.
It may not always be an easy road to travel. Still, you should know that many organizations, institutions and businesses support and mentor women in construction and all the skilled trades. Organizations like Skills Canada and their provincial chapters provide workshops to schools and special events that
provide awareness and support for all young people who want to explore the skilled trades and technology sectors.
Many businesses and educational institutions also contribute to events, like Try-a-trade days, exposing students to many different skilled trades. It's an event where you can physically try welding, drive a big rig virtually, try mechanics and robotics, to name a few. The best way to know if you might be interested in something is to do it and give it a try. You will also be able to meet actual trade professionals to ask questions and find out more information.
Also, consider volunteering or shadowing someone. Like my daughter Sherry always says, you won't know if you like something until you try, so if you are interested in trying a specific trade, volunteer or ask a local business if you could shadow someone for the day. I know the trade professionals are only too willing to help the next generation, since most will be retiring in the next decade. Seeking out young women and supporting them is the key to creating a strong workforce for the future.
Women bring a fresh and different perspective, especially on the job site. Despite the considerable gender gap, many businesses and industries are promoting more women into leadership positions and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
So, let's celebrate all the strong, hardworking, and dedicated women this week and beyond. They deserve it.