If you’re a woman who works in the trades—or who’s thinking about it—you’re probably already familiar with the potential benefits. You probably also know about some of the challenges.
The trades and other male-dominated sectors offer rewarding, hands-on work, competitive pay, and a chance to make a concrete difference in the world.
But they also come with downsides that affect women particularly. Navigating gender bias, finding mentors, securing safe working conditions, and achieving work-life balance are just a few of the hurdles women often face in these fields.
Understanding and preparing for these challenges can help you make informed decisions, paving the way for a successful and fulfilling career.
The growing demand—and opportunity
As in many industries, large numbers of tradespeople are set to retire in the next decade. This creates a strong demand for new workers in fields like construction, manufacturing, and electrical. Many government agencies, trade organizations, and trade schools are doing everything they can to make sure that more women are included in this expansion.
Though numbers are increasing slowly, women are still hugely under-represented in the skilled trades. Fewer than 10% of Red Seal certified journeypersons in Canada are women, and more than 80% of those are in 3 low-paying trades: hairstylist, cook, and baker. Even in these female-dominated trades, the gender pay gap is evident—men earn more to start, and the earnings gap increases over time.
In March 2024, the federal government announced more than $28.9 million in funding for 15 projects to help recruit and retain women apprentices in 39 eligible Red Seal trades, mostly in construction and manufacturing. This funding will be spread over 4 years.
Benefits of working in trades
Entering a trade offers many advantages:
- High earning potential—workers in skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, earn high average wages. Visit OCCinfo for detailed wage and salary information on particular trades.
- Strong demand—with demand for skilled tradespeople expected to continue rising, jobs in these fields offer good job security. You can find 3-year and 5-year job forecasts for specific occupations on OCCinfo.
- Future-proofing—skilled trades are relatively resistant to automation, making them a smart long-term choice.
- Hands-on learning—apprenticeships involve hands-on training that allows you to “earn as you learn.”
- Career flexibility—trades offer opportunities for promotions and lateral career moves into different specialties.
- Physical activity and tangible results—if sitting at a desk all day isn’t for you, a trade lets you stay physically active and see real-world results from your work.
- Support from growing networks—many women in trades find camaraderie and mentorship from both male and female colleagues.
Do your research
While the a career in the trades offers many rewards, the decision to enter a trade requires careful self-evaluation and research. Tradeswomen say that it’s important for women considering the trades to understand what the day-to-day reality looks like—physically, mentally, and culturally.
Start by asking yourself:
- Is the trades sector right for me?
- Which trade best aligns with my skills, interests, and abilities?
Reach out to career counsellors, trade schools, and professional networks for guidance. Consider shadowing professionals in the field or visiting job sites to get a firsthand sense of the work environment.
Learn about the apprenticeship system, the labour market, workplace culture, and employment barriers specific to women. The more informed you are, the better prepared you’ll be to choose the right path for yourself.
Navigating gender bias
Despite progress, gender bias still makes it hard for women to succeed in the trades. While many women do well in training, they often have trouble getting a foot in the door. This bias isn’t always obvious or intentional—if there are no other women on a crew, employers may assume that a female hire won’t fit in or feel comfortable.
As part of your research, look into companies that are known for fostering inclusive and supportive environments. Look for those with strong track records for hiring and promoting women.
Organizations like Women Building Futures and programs like Build Together Alberta can also offer guidance and help you find the right fit.
Finding community and mentors
One of the greatest challenges that tradeswomen identify is a lack of female
co-workers, mentors, and networking opportunities. Not having other women to exchange information with or rely on for guidance can feel isolating, especially during the apprenticeship phase.
If your workplace or union doesn’t offer the mentorship you need, the internet has opened up new avenues for finding connection. Join a community like Women on Site, sign up for a virtual mentorship program like Lean In Circles, or participate in online forums like r/BlueCollarWomen.
Take the initiative to seek out both formal and informal mentors—whether they’re women or supportive men—in your workplace or network.
Protecting yourself: Health and safety
Safety is a primary concern in any trade. Potential hazards exist at most work sites. For women, the risks are often increased by equipment and environments designed for men. For example:
- Ill-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), like gloves, boots, and harnesses, can increase the risk of injury. Women’s bodies are not just smaller, but shaped differently—so the “shrink it and pink it” approach to women’s safety gear often falls short of providing proper protection.
- Some worksites lack reasonable access to private and hygienic bathrooms with a locking door.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals on worksites and unsafe physical demands of a job, especially for women considering pregnancy, are a major area of concern.
With more attention being brought to these problems, more policies are emerging to address them. For example, British Columbia and Ontario now require employers to provide properly fitting PPE for different body types. The new Ontario regulations also require a job site to have at least one enclosed, well-lit, dedicated washroom in good repair, with disposal receptables and either hand sanitizer or running water.
As more women enter the trades, better site conditions will become the norm. And these improvements will benefit everyone, regardless of gender.
Knowing your rights: Bullying and harassment
Unfortunately, bullying and harassment remain significant issues for women in the trades. Women report incidents ranging from inappropriate comments to sexual harassment and physical assault.
It’s important to know your rights and have a plan for dealing with harassment. This includes knowing your company’s policies on bullying, harassment, and wrongful dismissal, as well as understanding the legal avenues available if these issues come up. Unions and professional organizations can offer resources and support in these situations.
It’s also important to document any incidents of harassment or discrimination and report them as soon as possible. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive workplace, and by speaking up, you can help them do so.
Achieving work-family balance
If you’re interested in becoming self-employed, a trade can offer a lot of flexibility.
Self-employed contractors set their own schedules and choose which jobs they accept.
In some trades, particularly in the construction sector, balancing a career with family life can be more challenging. Many women leave the trades when they start a family due to rigid or unpredictable work schedules, inflexible workplace policies, or a lack of support during parental leave.
In particular, workers are often expected to be at a job site early in the morning, before daycares open. However, some employers are moving toward more flexible work schedules and more family-friendly hours to help with retention.
Again, research is key in finding an employer and a career path that fits the lifestyle you want for yourself.
Advocating for yourself and the future
As a woman entering the trades, you’re joining a growing movement. The trades may have challenges, but they also offer great opportunities for women to break new ground, earn high incomes, and reshape industries from the inside.
By embracing these opportunities and pushing for progress, you’ll not only build a successful career—you’ll help build a better future for all tradespeople.