Trades in Demand: Why It’s Time for Women to Break In

Let’s get real—Canada’s “help wanted” sign is bigger than ever in the skilled trades. Builders, makers, and fixers are desperately needed, but there’s a massive piece missing: WOMEN.

The Trades Boom—And the Shortage Nobody’s Talking About

Here’s some truth: In the next five years, Canada will need over 10,000 new skilled tradespeople in high-demand Red Seal careers alone. From plumbing and carpentry to welding and electrical, these aren’t just jobs—they’re careers shaping the country’s future. Why?

• An aging workforce (lots of retirements, not enough replacements)

• Huge demand for new construction, clean energy, and infrastructure upgrades

• Constant innovation—yup, trades careers are changing fast and going high-tech

So Where Are All the Women?

Women make up nearly half of Canada’s workforce, but only about 5–8% of Red Seal trades pros. That gap? It’s more like the Grand Canyon. But—good news—more organizations and schools are ready to train and support women than EVER before.

Why Red Seal? Why Now?

• Red Seal = Serious Street Cred: The Red Seal is Canada’s gold standard, opening doors anywhere in the country.

• Major Earning Power: We’re talking $30, $40, $50+ an hour. Your office-job friends will be jealous.

• No Degree Required: You can get trained, certified, and start earning in just a couple of years—debt-free (and sometimes even paid while you learn).

• Unbeatable Flexibility: Want to be your own boss? Trades are the ticket to self-employment.

Breaking Down the Barriers—Together

Ready for the best part? Programs like BuildHER Collective, the ACTION Project, and college-based mentorships are giving women real talk, real connections, and a clear path in. The old-school, boys-only mentality? We’re done with it. Now’s the moment for fearless women to:

• Get skilled and certified (with government support at every step)

• Network with powerful women in the field

• Become innovators, bosses, and boundary-breakers

It’s YOUR Time to Slay

The trades are calling—and the future is wide open. If you want to build something that matters, earn real respect (and cash!), and prove the doubters wrong, now is YOUR time.

Let’s smash barriers, break in, and show Canada what the next generation of tradeswomen can do. Are you in?

BuildHER Collective has workshops, events, and mentors to get you started, right now. Slide into our DMs or visit our site for the next step. The world of Red Seal trades isn’t waiting—and neither should you.