Where are women in skilled trades?

Women choosing to learn a skilled trade in Canada still fall way behind men choosing the same route.

According to Uniforg, women comprise of 48 per cent of the Canadian workforce, yet the Conference Board of Canada recognizes that less than three per cent of all apprentices in the construction, automotive and industry trades are women.

In the decades to come, two issues will unfold: mass retirement of baby boomers from the workforce and a need to expand the skilled labour force, which is a prime period for both men and women to consider a trade. But women often choose not to.

Why are women not going into skilled trades or apprenticeship programs? This is a challenge to answer, said Steve Crema, acting chair of the School of Transportation Technology.

“Much is not known about how younger women are introduced to the trade education. Basically, it is a matter of gender-norming that still occurs in younger ages and public schools. Societal pressure is tremendous and influential in our choices of everything including education and careers we pursue.”

Defined by Wikipedia, gender roles are sets of societal norms that dictate what types of behaviours are deemed acceptable, appropriate or desirable for a person based on their sex and are centered on the opposing conceptions of femininity and masculinity.

The question that we ask in society is, to what extent are gender roles biological and to what extent are they socially constructed? For a young woman to enter a skilled trade, she takes on a traditionally masculine trait that twists the female construct, but women pursuing these types of careers need to be encouraged to continue.

When it comes to men, despite the relatively well paying trade industries, even they are not likely to pursue these careers, and gender norming would say these are ‘appropriate’ careers for men. One can only imagine how hard it must be for young women to pursue trade education when it is not widely promoted and societal pressure is working against them.

Karen Kloibhofer, Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship consultant at Fanshawe, said women are perhaps not going into skilled trades because they can’t see themselves in the trade. This is a gendered role that needs to change to foster larger representation of women in these jobs.

“We are seeing more and more women, and not just young women, getting into the trades and getting involved with it. There are fewer barriers today than there were two years ago. But I think we will see more as time goes on; we had four [women] in last pre-apprentice Auto Body and we have at least that many in our co-op diploma, truck and our automotive program.”

“Barriers” is what women encounter in skilled trades. Crema stated that basic societal gender beliefs and the reinforcement of these stereotypes throughout high school make the choice of a trade careers unlikely. Also, numerous stereotypes exist about attitudes and behaviours “on the job site” that present a negative view of working conditions for women. The notion of construction workers whistling and harassing women on the street is a good example of the view that is presented to younger women and men alike. What woman would want to work that environment?

Take Crema’s advice to be strong in representing the 21st century woman in these industries.

“See yourself as having advantages when pursuing trades careers. Employers are looking for well-rounded skills, high achievement and professionalism. Develop these and you will have greater success in gaining employment,” Crema said.

Recognize that young men have viewed and experienced the same gender pressures as young women and may be operating under misconceptions of the roles of women in trades.

In that regard, negative attitudes directed at women in skilled trades are not uncommon. Always bring behavioural concerns to your faculty members and do not tolerate any level of harassment or discomfort at work or school.

Be active in your program and participate in the Women in Technology student group through the Faculty of Technology. This group is made up of female students across the Faculty of Technology that participate in various women’s events and activities throughout the year. Earlier this month, the group hosted a trades-focused event on campus for International Women’s Day.

Vertha Coligan, the dean of the Faculty of Technology at Fanshawe, said that various associations such as the London District Construction Association are doing their part to improve the retention of women in the workplace through their group, Women in Construction.

“Getting to girls when they are younger, say between grades five to eight, is important to make them aware of all career opportunities, not just those outside of apprenticeship careers. We are doing our part through ‘Girls Exploring Technology’ initiatives like our summer camps; connections with elementary schools are also exceptionally important,” Coligan said.

Kloibhofer added that the Women’s Directorate and the Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) helps women who are low-income, no income or looking at making a change and find a good career. The Apprenticeship network in town is trying to connect employers with potential apprentices; Employment Ontario programs are also looking to support people making choices and making the connection to the world of work. Apprenticeship is one of them.

“Fanshawe is doing more in that area too, through programs like the Women’s Welding program and our Construction program that is going to have integrated aspect to it for women in carpentry,” Kloibhofer added.

Build Together is a program that helps to support women in construction trades. Women are least likely to see themselves in this trade, but this is however, a huge area of growth.

Skilled trades education and careers are not everyone’s cup of tea, but for both women and men, educating oneself with household plumbing, electricity, auto mechanics and home improvement can be a rewarding education that makes anyone more confident, capable to manage a household and can save you money in the long run. A rewarding occupation is only what you make it out to be. If you enjoy it, then so be it.