Women in Skilled Trades (WiST)
About Women in Skilled Trades (WiST)
Women in Skilled Trades (WiST) is a comprehensive program that includes a variety of activities aimed at promoting the value and role of women in the skilled trades. The program includes trade events in multiple locations across Canada, leadership academies for women, and research on needs related to entrance and retention of women in skilled trades and transitioning to sustainable trade practices.
Events & Partnerships
Skills for Change is proud to present a variety of conferences, workshops, trade expos, and networking events throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia – delivered in partnership with national and local partners! These events emphasize inclusive hiring practices for employers, explore research in the trades, and provide space for women within the early years of their careers to network and understand how to advance their goals in this ever-changing industry.
If interested in partnering with us, contact us: partnerships@skillsforchange.org
Women in Skilled Trades - Leadership Academy
The WiST Leadership Academies support women apprentices in Red Seal trades, particularly newcomer and racialized women, with education and community building opportunities that focus on greening the trades, leadership learning and development, mental health and wellbeing, safety and inclusion, career planning, and networking opportunities.
The upcoming Leadership Academies will be hosted live, in person in the Peel region.
Date: To be confirmed (August and October 2025)
Location: To be confirmed
Women in Skilled Trades (WiST) Survey
Our in-house research team has designed a national survey to capture the perspectives, perceptions, and experiences of both skilled trades employers and women (both currently in and not yet in the trades). This survey also gathers some high-level information on the role of skilled trades employers, and interests of women, in advancing climate activism and sustainability. Our perception is that as Canada’s green economy demands workers with knowledge and skills in climate change and environmental sustainability, these insights will be valuable to the next iteration of WiST.
Scan the QR Code below or click on the link to take the survey.
The data from this survey are crucial for us. Key findings and analysis from this survey data will inform an extensive collection of knowledge mobilization products, including conference presentations, scholarly publications, and shareable infographics, which will include province-based examinations of the skilled trades sector in the five provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. This allows for comparisons across geographic contexts and supports further program and policy development at both the provincial and national levels. Conference presentations, scholarly publications, and shareable infographics ensure wide distribution of learnings to help the sector design strong training programs, influence public policy, and advance both environmental sustainability and gender equity.
Available in English and French
Scan the QR Code
Survey Details
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English and French
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Women interested in or involved in skilled trades
Employers of skilled trades
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Career interests
Practical/perceived barriers to pursuing a career in skilled trades
Existing/desirable career advancement opportunities
Interests and experience with green initiatives and sustainability practices
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Hiring and retention practices
Career advancement and networking opportunities
Green economy and sustainability
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November 15, 2025
Our Funders and Sponsors
Funded in part by:
Corporate Sponsor: