The Skilled Trades Are Not Gender-Specific
MYTH: Women don’t belong in the skilled trades
FACT: Women belong anywhere they want
Anyone can become an expert in a trade they love! Build on your unique strengths and help shape Canada’s future – all with the support of a union behind you.
- Earn while you learn
- Hands-on learning
- Mentorship programs
- Competitive wages and benefits
- Rewarding work
- Plenty of room to move up
- A workforce that welcomes you!
The skilled trades are NOT gender-specific
Check out these testimonials from women about why they love their careers in the unionized skilled trades.
Earn while you learn on your way to a rewarding career
Inclusive environment
There are many women in the skilled trades and unions. Unions across Canada continue to work to make the skilled trades a welcoming place for all.
Earning potential
High-paying wages aren’t just for doctors, lawyers and CEOs. Many trades in Canada offer excellent starting wages with the potential to earn six figures!
Rewarding careers
Help shape your community’s future by working on projects you can be proud of and that will continue to make an impact for generations!
Work-life balance
Many trades offer more flexibility than a typical 9-to-5 desk job, with a ton of medical and financial benefits that your family can take advantage of.
Start your next career move here!
Explore the trades below to find the best fit for you.
Carpenter
Carpenters construct, maintain and repair structures made of wood and wood substitutes, steel, concrete and other materials. Their duties vary according to job type, including residential, commercial, industrial or maintenance, and some specialize in one type of work. Carpenters can work with construction companies, carpentry contractors and maintenance departments, or can be self-employed.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and instructions
- Calculate requirements and prepare layouts to follow building codes
Crane Operator
Crane operators work on cranes or draglines to lift, move, position or place machinery, equipment and other large objects. They can work at construction or industrial sites, ports, railway yards, surface mines or other similar locations. There are three main types of cranes (boom trucks, mobile cranes and tower cranes) and various other types one can specialize in.
Responsibilities
- Operate cranes to lift, move, position or place equipment and materials
- Inspect cranes and calculate capacities and weight
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators run heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures.
Responsibilities
- Operate heavy equipment during construction and related activities
- Operate computer-controlled equipment and hydraulic pumping systems
Labourer
Construction craft labourers use diverse skills in a variety of construction activities, including preparing and cleaning up construction sites, moving equipment and materials, operating hand tools and performing demolition and excavation activities. They are essential in assisting many other trades on site. Their duties and responsibilities vary from job to job.
Responsibilities
- Perform various duties involving tool use, equipment and machinery
- Handle, distribute, lift and carry construction materials
Lineman
Reinforcing Rodworker
Ironworker – Reinforcing tradespeople place and tie reinforcing material. They place and tie reinforcing steel, and post-tension tendons and related components to reinforce concrete structures.
Responsibilities
- Read blueprints & specifications to lay out work
- Safely operate tools & equipment
Skilled Labourer
Construction craft labourers use diverse skills in a variety of construction activities, including preparing and cleaning up construction sites, moving equipment and materials, operating hand tools and performing demolition and excavation activities. They are essential in assisting many other trades on site. Their duties and responsibilities vary from job to job.
Responsibilities
- Perform various duties involving tool use, equipment and machinery
- Handle, distribute, lift and carry construction materials
