Supporting Women in Trades
CLAC is dedicated to supporting women in the skilled trades. We work to help women enter the trades and excel in their careers.
Promoting the Trades
CLAC works with industry partners such as Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, which champions women in the trades through their #Champions4Change program.
CLAC supports Women Building Futures, an organization that offers programs and support services to help unemployed and underemployed women explore and connect to careers that pay above a living wage.
We also regularly feature women tradespeople who are excelling in their fields on social media, on our website, and in our union magazine to inspire others who may be considering the trades. (See list below.)
Supporting Success
For women actively looking to join the trades, or who are already in the trades, CLAC provides a variety of supports to help them succeed.
#WomenWednesday
Check out our Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts to follow our #WomenWednesday campaign, which celebrates women in the trades.
Articles Promoting Women in the Trades
Features
Jessie of All Trades
She’s been a farmer, a horse trainer, a bartender, a camp cook, and a marketing professional. But Local 68 member Jessie Cook’s favourite career? Heavy civil construction.
The Sky Is the Limit
These modern-day Rosie the Riveters are breaking through barriers—and proving that no job is off-limits.
All the Right Tools
With a 90+ percent employment rate for grads, Women Building Futures delivers on the promise of its name.
Women's Work
Five tradeswomen show what it takes to excel in the evolving world of construction.
Tips and Resources
It's Time for Proper Female-Specific PPE
If employers are serious about attracting more women to work in the skilled trades, they’ll need to rethink the protections available to them.
Chasing Your Dream
Here’s why one woman decided to make the leap to a job in construction—and how she found success.
Doing More to Protect Women at Work
Many workplaces and types of equipment are designed for men, not women, and this can lead to injuries.
Mental Health and Well-Being in Apprenticeship
Female apprentices often face gender-specific workplace challenges, from harassment and bullying to finding full-time employment.
Women in Construction
Exploring best practices to recruit and retain women in the construction workplace.
Jessie on the Job: Blogs and Video Content
How Did You Get Into Construction? (VIDEO)
Local 68 steward Jessie Cook discusses her journey into the world of construction work.
The Top Five Best Things About Working in Construction (VIDEO)
Wondering about the benefits of working in the trades? Jessie Cook breaks down the highlights of construction life.
The "Get-Ahead" Mindset
To make a splash in your workplace, you have to have the right attitude—and these tips.
How to Have Difficult Conversations
Speaking up in the workplace can be difficult. Here's how to bring up issues, in construction or any other workplace.
How to Survive Camp Life
Working away from home can be gruelling. These tips will help make the transition easier.