Trade HERizons Employers and Educators

Trade HERizons — Information for Employers and Educators

Traditionally women are good at the trades. They pay attention to details, are not afraid to read plans, follow instructions well, and have patience and good people skills.

— Andrew Dibling - Wind Turbine Technology Program Learning Manager (Holland College); Red Seal Electrician, Mechanic and Instrumentation Technician; business owner

It's a very competitive market. In our business we help people solve problems. Women can bring a different approach to solving an issue. The more diversity we have in the workplace, the more competitive we can be. We need more women in trades and technology fields. If we only choose employees who are male, we are limiting our selection base by 50%.

— Darrell Fisher, P.Eng. - Branch Manager, ADI Limited (consulting engineering services)

With more and more customers being female, I don't know of any automotive service department that shouldn't have women working with them. Jennifer [automotive service advisor] brings a different view to the job. She can understand things from a woman's point of view. Jennifer has a lot of patience and can explain things to customers to help them understand what is going on with their vehicle.

— Eddie Arsenault - Service Manager, Discover Kia Charlottetown

Shasta is the first female carpenter I've worked with in my 36 years in construction. She's a terrific worker, followed instructions well and always showed up on time.

— Charlie Larter - Red Seal Carpenter, Ken Coles Construction Ltd.

Trade HERizons program is designed to increase women's access to employment in non-traditional trades and technology. This is done by building positive relationships between employers, mentors and women interested in various trades and technology sectors.

Here are just some examples of non-traditional career areas or jobs for women:

Trades — automotive service technician, cabinetmaker, carpenter, construction electrician, machinist, plumber, steamfitter/pipefitter, welder
Aerospace and Industrial Technology — aircraft gas engine technician, electromechanical technician, energy systems engineering technician, HVAC technician, industrial electrician, wind turbine technician, commercial diver, power engineer
Information Technology — computer programmer or analyst, internet or intranet software developer, network technician/administrator, video game designer
Engineering Technology — architectural, construction, or electronics engineering technician

How can employers get involved in Trade HERizons?

Host a Worksite Visit

Promote your business and trade or technology by hosting a tour at your worksite for Trade HERizons participants.

Be a Mentor or Guest Speaker

Encourage women to consider training in your trade or technology by being a guest speaker or mentor a woman through her apprenticeship or training.

Hire Women in Trades or Technology

Invest in your business by hiring qualified women as apprentices, Red Seal tradespeople or certified technicians.

Business Case for Hiring Women in Trades and Technology

Positive qualities

Employers say, generally speaking, that women make excellent employees in trades and technology because they:

follow instructions well
are detailed and safety oriented
deliver great customer service

Solving skills shortages

Skilled labour shortages in trades and technology are increasing due to an aging workforce and lack of skilled workers to replace them. Women are a virtually untapped resource to fill these shortages.

Better Bottom Line

Having skilled women in trades and technology as employees has big payoffs with little cost for employers.

Employers who are able to keep skilled women on the job usually have positive and productive workplaces for everyone. Positive and productive workplaces have fewer costs related to employee turnover, illness and injury
Women treat employers' equipment as if it was their own. Employers who hire skilled women in trades and technology tend to have less equipment repair and replacement costs.
Female employees can increase a business' ability to bring new ideas and solutions to the workplace. This can help businesses have a competitive edge.

Women's Network PEI