Getting more women into trades is a clear priority in Ontario

By Andrew Pariser

March 9, 2026

Sunday, March 8^, is International Women’s Day, and we should all take time that day (and every day) to celebrate all the women that build Ontario. While we are still scratching the surface when it comes to women in the trades, this column recognizes that progress has been made and that we still have a long way to go.

What is working

Skilled trades are a clear priority in Ontario, and so too is getting women in the trades. Senior leadership (elected and appointed) are supporting the push to destigmatize the skilled trades and remove barriers facing those who want to enter the trades, including women.

From the top down and ground up, I can’t talk about women in the skilled trades without recognizing Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini and Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams.

Both are skilled trades champions and have spent countless hours and energy on addressing the specific barriers women face.

Industry, labour unions, and not-for-profits have joined them. RESCON holds an annual Women in Construction webinar every fall and it has grown into one of our top events. Highlights include industry experts, keynote addresses and best practices for the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of women. Click here to check out the fifth annual event that was held in October 2025.

Other active associations deserving recognition include Skills Ontario, BOLT (Building Opportunities for Life Today), and the CAF (Canadian Apprenticeship Forum).

Skills Ontario

Skills Ontario’s mission statement is, “Changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technology.” The organization applies this with a specific focus on women and young women through a Young Women’s Initiatives skills competition every May, and International Women’s Day Celebration Event. Click here for more information and to register.

BOLT

BOLT provides social and financial support to underprivileged youth as they access education, job-shadowing and employment in construction. Click here for information on grants.

In addition, BOLT is hosting an International Women’s Day webinar on March 7. Click here to register.

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

CAF is a non-profit organization that connects Canada’s apprenticeship community. Participants work collaboratively to support vibrant and innovative apprenticeship systems and policies with a view to developing a highly skilled, inclusive and mobile skilled trades workforce. The organization brings together apprenticeship stakeholders from across trades, across sectors and across Canada to share information and track the enrolment of women into apprenticeship.

Where do we go from here?

The good news is we can build on our success. In the last five years, recruitment and retention efforts have expanded considerably. So has government funding for apprentices and employers who hire them. We need to keep this going and take meaningful steps to improve the recruitment and retention of women. Here are three ways to make a difference:

1. Find female new hires a female mentor or co-worker that they can talk to. New staff have questions and having a female to talk to can go a long way.

2. Get your workplace ready. This includes but is not limited to safety equipment, bathrooms, and other fundamental rights. Not only is this a best practice, but it is also enshrined in health and safety laws.

3. Have inclusive best practices and enforce them. Anti-harassment legislation isn’t new, but what is clear is that more work needs to be done. Every company should have a policy that is supported by the joint health and safety committee, senior management and all staff.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the progress we have made but commit to continued improvements as well.