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OTTAWA – The (CAF) is celebrating the achievements of tradeswomen and gender diverse individuals working in the construction, manufacturing, transportation and service sectors to mark March 8.

The recruitment and retention of women in the skilled trades is an ongoing challenge based on CAF’s data analysis, indicates a release.

In 2022, 5.8 per cent of apprentices were women based on the total registrations for construction manufacturing and transportation trades and in 2021, men had a 47 per cent completion rate and women were at 34 per cent. Common barriers for women include unwelcoming workplaces, isolation, a lack of mentoring and limited advancement opportunities.

CAF and its more than 180 members who are employers, unions, educators, jurisdictions and equity priority groups, are addressing the barriers by investing in career advancement in the skilled trades.

Professional development training in leadership and mentoring is being offered to upper-level apprentices and journeypersons at no cost.

In one of those programs, the National Leadership Development Program for Women in the Trades, those enrolled participate in five modules and engage in group discussions facilitated by subject matter experts and tradeswomen coaches. Coaches provide guidance for overcoming workplace challenges, especially pertaining to developing effective leadership skills and strategies.

Program participants benefit from personalized one-on-one coaching to address their specific needs and have access to online materials on leadership skills, styles and strategies.