The Rise of Women in the Trades in Alberta
With Alberta’s population on the rise, the demand for housing is increasing, leading to a growing need for skilled tradespeople. This trend is encouraging more women to join the workforce and take on roles traditionally held by men.
Claire LeBlanc initially began her career as an electrician before deciding to pursue an education as an aircraft maintenance engineer. For LeBlanc, entering the trades was a straightforward decision.
“I could get in right away,” LeBlanc shared. “I could start earning money immediately, and there were educational opportunities available for me down the line.”
Inspired by her mother, Angeline Noble, who recently graduated high school, is eager to follow the same path into the trades. Over the weekend, they visited the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) spring open house to explore career options in this field.
“I was particularly interested in anything related to mechanics,” Noble expressed. “The prospect of working with cars and motorcycles is really exciting to me.”
Noble credits her mother as a crucial influence on her confidence in pursuing a career in trades. “Having her as an electrician serves as a powerful example,” said Noble. “It shows me that women can thrive in these roles, just like men.”
Growing Opportunities for Women
According to Tammy Amstutz from the Calgary Construction Association, increasing the number of women in trades is essential for various reasons. “Currently, women make up less than 10% of the workforce on construction sites, and the statistics across the industry reflect a similar, modest representation,” Amstutz noted. “However, we have seen positive growth in this area thanks to the efforts of remarkable organizations in Calgary and Alberta.”
Amstutz emphasizes that the trades offer a wide array of pathways for career advancement. “There are numerous opportunities to progress, whether stepping into roles such as site superintendent, estimator, or project manager. The career trajectories in the construction industry are more versatile than many others.”
