Women in Trades.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity for us to recognize the contributions of women in the trades and continue to support them in their professional journeys, ensuring that their voices are heard and their talents are recognized. Empowering women is not only the right thing to do, but women in the trades also create sustainable communities and profitable businesses. Let’s explore how.
Women in Trades: Breaking Barriers
It’s no secret that certain industries and professions have historically been dominated by men. This creates barriers for women who aspire to enter these fields—or even believe they could work in these fields in the first place.
Our International Women’s Day speaker, Rachel Schatz, is a red seal plumber and Gas B fitter who currently teaches full-time at BCIT. Rachel pulled no punches when it came to describing the harassment she used to face when being the only woman on site with 300 men. Thankfully, she’s noted the catcalling, whistling, lewd pictures and requests for dates are becoming a thing of the past.
In fact, research shows that in recent years, there’s been a positive shift towards greater gender diversity in the workforce. In their “Gender Equality in the Workplace 2022” study, Randstad concluded that while there is still substantial work to be done regarding gender equality in the workplace, “there has been notable progress—particularly in the construction and technology sectors.”
Benefits of Women in Trades
McKinsey & Company’s report “Why diversity matters even more: The case for holistic impact” states that companies with 30% or more women are likely to outperform their peers. And we know from personal experience that the presence of women in the workforce brings many benefits to our company and society, including increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table and the site, enriching the work environment and driving positive change.
“There is no future in which women are not part of trades. We are only just getting started.” – Rachel Schatz.
Encouraging More Women to Join Trades
Tricia Townsend, People and Culture Director for True, is a tireless advocate who actively supports solutions for the women at True and encourages more women in the trades.
While progress has been made in promoting gender equality in trades, there’s room for more. “We’re still working to encourage more women to pursue their career aspirations and enter our field. As an equal opportunity employer, we acknowledge the challenges women face and that we have a crucial role in creating an inclusive and supportive work environment,” says Townsend.
Some of the ways that True Mechanical is actively working towards achieving equity for all employees include:
- Actively engaging Women at True for networking and career mentoring opportunities
- An established network for Women at True that serves as a platform for mutual support and mentorship
- Women at True group chat to encourage and support each other
- Access to woman-specific washrooms on all our sites.
“True Mechanical is committed to advancing women’s rights in the construction industry. We recognize that equity is essential and strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where women have the same rights and resources as men.”—Tricia Townsend.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements
International Women’s Day reminds us of the progress we have made toward gender equality and the work that still lies ahead. By championing women in trades and advocating for equal opportunities, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Check out the opportunities at True
