Thursday, April 16, 2026

Debunking Five Common Misconceptions About Joining the Trades

CLAC’s Supporting Women In Construction program can help guide women considering a career in the trades

A career in construction gave Jessie Cook the variety she craved and the travel she loves. Jessie is a heavy equipment operator who has worked on job sites across Canada, from a gold mine at an Alamos Gold site in northern Ontario, to Site C in northern BC, to the Calgary Ring Road, and projects in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

For many women, entering the trades without a parent, friend, or mentor in the industry can feel intimidating. Jessie knows that feeling. She has heard the same worries and assumptions over and over from women who are thinking about a construction career.

Here are Jessie’s top five misconceptions about getting into the trades, and what she wants women to know instead.

1. “I don’t have any experience. I don’t know what I can do.”

With the amount of online resources available today, this should never stop you.

Between government programs, schools, unions like CLAC, and companies, there are so many ways to learn what the trades are really like. If you have even the smallest interest in the trades, a willingness to work with your brain and your body, and you can show up every day and be consistent, a trade might be a great fit for you.

You do not need perfect grades, a trust fund, or even experience to get started. Sometimes, the simplest first step is applying for an entry-level job. You can learn a lot just by getting your foot in the door.

2. “I don’t know which trade is right for me.”

Picking a trade can feel overwhelming, whether you are fresh out of high school, returning to work after motherhood, or looking for a full career change.

The good news is there are tools that can help. Many organizations like CLAC’s Supporting Women In Construction program, offer online quizzes or assessments tools to help you narrow down the trade you might be suited for. There are also programs where you can try different trades before committing, like high school samplers or events like Jill of All Trades.

If none of those options are available where you live, Jessie recommends something simple and practical: get an entry-level job on a construction site. You will get paid while being exposed to multiple trades, and you will learn what each one actually looks like day-to-day.

In many cases, employers provide entry-level training, including construction site safety and basic orientation. They often provide the site-specific courses you need to start.

3. “It’s too hard for women.”

If you are thinking a trade might be too hard physically, Jessie wants you to know this is not true.

Many employers offer basic training courses to help you build skills and confidence. There are also health and safety rules around lifting limits and working alone that apply to everyone on the construction site. You learn on the job at your own pace, based on your own physical and mental capacity.

If you want to prepare more, there are plenty of online programs and training options available for anyone who wants to build strength and skills before starting, including CLAC’s Kickstart Your Construction program.

4. “My coworkers are going to be rude or judgmental.”

Jessie is honest here. In construction, thick skin helps. But in many cases, you find someone who helps you through those early days. A good mentor can make all the difference, especially when you are new and unsure what questions to ask.

Everyone has had a first day. No job site is the same. And the only stupid questions are the ones you do not ask.

Jessie also points out something people forget. We often spend more time with our coworkers than we do with our own families. Job sites can create lifelong friendships and support systems. Sometimes, the person you think you will never get along with ends up being your go-to person, your “work dad,” or the one who always has your back.

And if issues do arise, Jessie highlights one important point. Unionized workplaces have clear processes and protections. Harassment and bullying are not acceptable. If there is ever a serious issue, unions can help hold companies accountable and support workers through the process.

5. “Working conditions and gear are going to be a problem.”

Jessie says that today, working conditions should not be a barrier, especially in unionized environments where employers are expected to meet safety standards and provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

Another change she has seen is better workwear options for women. More women-focused gear companies have emerged recently, and there are now more choices for boots, vests, coveralls, and PPE that actually fit.

Jessie also notes that many remote job sites have improved their camps and facilities over the years. Since workers spend so much time there, sites often offer better amenities and more variety in food options. It can make camp life much more comfortable than people expect.

Final Thoughts from Jessie

If you are thinking about stepping into the world of hard hats, scuffed boots, and yellow tape, do not stress. The journey can be easier than you think, especially when you lean on the resources available and ask questions along the way.

There are more supports out there now than ever before. You just have to take the first step.

About Jessie Cook

Jessie Cook is a CLAC member, a heavy equipment operator, and a long-time advocate for women in construction. She has worked on job sites across Canada, including northern Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Jessie continues to support women entering the trades by sharing real, practical insight into what the work is actually like, and encouraging women to take the leap when they are ready.

Are you interested in learning about the trades but not sure where to start? Let us help you on your journey. Visit clac.ca/swic.

Debunking Five Common Misconceptions About Joining the Trades

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