Women in Trades

At BCIB’s headquarters and on jobsites throughout the province, women play pivotal roles. They make outstanding tradespeople and leaders. Canada needs more of them in the construction industry.

BCIB is not alone in understanding this need and in working to address the reasons so few women choose to enter or stay in the trades. That’s why our Women in Construction working group includes tradeswomen, contractors, unions, and BCIB employees. Together, we’re looking for practical solutions so more women can thrive in construction.

Below you will find links to resources from various organizations that aim to inform and support women in the trades. If you know of another great resource we should consider adding, let us know by emailing comms@bcib.ca

Women Active in the Trades

BCIB supports and promotes women in the trades. Check out the helpful links and documents below. Reach out if you need more information.

Build TogetHER Build TogetHER BC is a campaign of the BC Building Trades that promotes, supports and mentors women in the skilled construction trades.

Build TogetHER Build TogetHER's Facebook page shares content and announcements from the group. It's a great place to look for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

BCCWITT BCCWITT is working to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive skilled trades industry, where all feel welcome, healthy, respected and safe.

BCCWITT Network Join a community network designed to share research and best practices that support the recruitment and retention of women in the trades.

Journey to Success for Women Apprentices This female-led mentorship program from BCCWITT is aimed at supporting women apprentices in B.C. to achieve journey/Red Seal status.

ConnectHER The National ConnectHER Network for Tradeswomen & Allies is a community for anyone in the skilled trades industry in Canada. Find mentorship, resources and belonging.

Mentorship Matters App This SkillPlan app helps you track competencies, build on mentorship skills, access additional learning, learn from and endorse other mentors, and build connections with other apprentices and mentors.

Building Builders Here's a construction mentorship program from the BC Construction Association (BCCA). It's free and filled with valuable benefits for both mentors and mentees.

STEP The Skilled Trades Employment Program is another BCCA program. The service for trades workers includes career coaching, employer connections, job placement follow-ups and additional benefits including financial supports.

Builders Life Talent Central This BCCA job board posts available construction jobs in B.C. and has links to job seeker and employer resources.

CCWESTT This hub has resources for strategies, action plans, policies, and programs from across Canada and internationally to help organizations support gender equity and inclusion in science, engineering, trades and technology (SETT).

Interested in the trades?

Below are resources for women new to the trades, and those considering the career.

Find your trade SkilledTradesBC has a quick, fun quiz that will help you explore the best skilled trades for you!

Equity in the Trades SkilledTradesBC sponsors various training programs around B.C. tailored for those in underrepresented groups to explore the trades and get support.

BCCWITT Network Join a community network designed to share research and best practices that support the recruitment and retention of women apprentices in B.C.

Building Builders Whether you’re someone just considering a career in the construction trades, or already on your path in a trade career, Building Builders can match you with a Mentor who can help you get where you want to go.

Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society PICS' Trade Starter Program offers fully-funded pre-apprenticeship programs that are recognized by Skilled Trades BC.

Western Joint Electrical Training Society (WJETS) Want to be an electrician? The hands-on WJETS Workplace Alternative Trades Training Program offers a path to become an IBEW-sponsored apprentice, quickly accessing employment opportunities.

SNTC Indigenous Skills & Employment Training Program (ISET) Are you Indigenous and unemployed or underemployed, living in B.C.'s central interior? SNTC ISET provides employment services to Indigenous individuals in the area, regardless of their origin in Canada.

ACCESS The Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society provides education and training, including construction foundation programs, to urban Indigenous people living in Greater Vancouver.

Coast Salish Training & Employment Society CSETS is a funding, training delivery and coordination agency. It supports aboriginal individuals and communities by facilitating relationships that lead to employment opportunities.

WorkBC This page lists current programs focused on meeting the needs of Indigenous people seeking opportunities in various trades occupations, including construction careers.

More Trades Training Want more? Check out our Trades Training page.

Carla standing on site at the Pattullo Bridge project location.

Empowerment

“As a woman, I was never told that I could use my physicality as a profession. I’ve always been active and have gravitated towards more physical activities outside of work. I tried to force myself into the white-collar job type of mentality, but I’ve realized that this is the type of work I want to do. Sometimes when people ask me what I do for a living, they get intimidated and nervous when I tell them. It’s empowering in a weird way… I feel like I’m breaking down that gender role and mentality that only men can do jobs like this. I’m honoured to be a part of, hopefully, changing peoples’ minds.”

Carla, an Apprentice Ironworker on the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project

Positive Experience and Safety

“Working for BCIB and the Broadway Subway Project has been a positive experience for me as a woman and 2SLGBTQIA+ person. We have our own space, our own lockers, so it feels really safe. Someone was transitioning on our site and they felt so safe because they had their own area to change in without people judging. I feel like BCIB has done a terrific job in providing us that safe space.”

Niki, a Carpenter Journeyperson on the Broadway Subway Project

Sense of Pride

“I recommend women get their foot in the door and give trades a shot. There are always men out there that think a woman can’t do this type of work, but we can. We’ve been proving it for a while now and it’s hard work but it gives you a major sense of pride. And come on, boys do it so how hard can it be?”

McKenzie, a Journeyperson on the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project

Women in Construction

Shianne's Story

Meet Shianne, an Electrical Apprentice on the new Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project. Shianne explains what drew her to the trades and the benefits of pursuing an apprenticeship on B.C.’s first fully-electric hospital.

The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project is being delivered by the Nuts’a’maat Alliance comprised of BCIB, Island Health, EllisDon, Parkin Architects, and Infrastructure BC.

Contact Us

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, we’re here to help.