Ontario's Construction Sector Pushes for Greater Female Participation Amid Growing Demand for Skilled Workers

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During a recent webinar, industry leaders discussed the pressing need for increased female representation in Ontario's construction workforce, highlighting initiatives and challenges in attracting and retaining women in skilled trades.

The construction industry in Ontario is gradually making strides in attracting more women, yet significant challenges remain in fostering an environment where they feel welcomed, supported, and capable of building long-term careers in the skilled trades. This was the key takeaway from a recent Women in Construction webinar featuring three prominent speakers: Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario; Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity; and Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. All three speakers underscored the importance of expanding opportunities for women, particularly as Ontario grapples with a growing need for skilled workers in various sectors.
Currently, women make up only five percent of construction apprentices in Ontario, a statistic that White emphasized as a clear indication of the work still needed to improve gender representation in the industry. She pointed out that efforts to change these numbers must begin long before women consider applying for apprenticeships. It is crucial for young girls to be introduced to skilled trades careers early in their education and to see relatable female role models succeeding within the industry. Events such as the Level Up career fairs are designed to facilitate this introduction, and last year, more than 58,000 students attended these events across Ontario, with nearly half being young women.
However, generating interest among young women is just the first step. White stressed the necessity of assisting prospective tradeswomen in transforming their interest into viable careers by navigating the complexities of the apprenticeship system, securing training and financial support, and connecting with potential employers. To aid in this endeavor, Skilled Trades Ontario has developed an apprentice toolkit that offers practical guidance from registration through to certification. Additionally, a sponsor toolkit has been introduced to help employers understand their responsibilities and the available resources to support new female apprentices.
Mentorship and encouragement are vital components of retaining women in the industry once they begin their careers. White noted that every woman who shares her story, every mentor who invests time in guiding newcomers, and every employer who creates opportunities contributes to reshaping the perception of careers in construction. Williams echoed this sentiment, stating that increasing female participation requires a dual focus on both recruitment and retention.
The province recognizes that women possess the talent, skills, and ambition necessary to thrive in the construction sector. Women are already making significant contributions to projects, acquiring expertise, and leading teams, thereby enhancing the strength, innovation, and competitiveness of the economy and the construction industry. Nonetheless, attracting women will not suffice without transforming their experiences on job sites. This entails fostering respectful workplaces, addressing issues of discrimination and harassment, and offering training, mentorship, and substantial opportunities for professional development.
To support these initiatives, Williams highlighted that nearly $315,000 has been allocated to the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario through the Women’s Economic Leadership and Legacy Fund. This funding will facilitate a tradeswomen leadership conference and expand training focused on anti-discrimination and anti-harassment measures on construction sites. Williams believes that such initiatives can significantly impact women's confidence and broaden their future opportunities.
Creating enduring change, according to Williams, necessitates a collaborative effort that involves governments, employers, unions, training providers, and industry organizations. Jones stated that the economic implications of this issue are substantial, as Ontario embarks on extensive construction projects ranging from homes and highways to hospitals and energy initiatives. The province requires a growing workforce to meet these infrastructure demands. He remarked, “To build the future of Ontario, we need all hands on deck. We need to open more doors for women to pursue rewarding, good-paying careers in construction.”
Women’s participation in Ontario’s construction industry has surged by over 15 percent since the current government took office in 2018, reaching nearly 77,000 workers last year. Yet, they still represent only about 13 percent of the overall construction workforce. Jones emphasized that the industry cannot afford to overlook this potential talent. He pointed out that initiatives aimed at making construction workplaces more accommodating are crucial, including the provision of properly fitting personal protective equipment, clean and private washrooms, and women-only facilities. Moreover, Ontario has mandated that menstrual products be available on large construction sites.
Recently, more than $3.9 million has been allocated from the Skills Development Fund to assist over 310 women in preparing for in-demand skilled trades careers through hands-on training, mentorship, and employment support. However, Jones cautioned that government initiatives alone will not suffice. “Government can’t do this alone. We need employers, unions, training organizations, and industry leaders working together to create workplaces where women feel welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed,” he concluded.

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