PAID ADVERTISEMENT DECEMBER 2024 | INNOVATINGCANADA.CA
@MediaplanetCA
Please recycle
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Diversity in Trades What Empowers You About Being A Skilled Trades Worker? Mediaplanet sat down with a group of accomplished tradeswomen across Canada to learn about how their work not only empowers them personally but also contributes to a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Their experiences highlight the importance of fostering a culture that values diversity in skilled trades.
JAMIE MCMILLAN JOURNEYMAN IRONWORKER AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER The trades gave me freedom. I started by working with tools and ended up traveling the country, meeting amazing people, and building a career I love. What empowers me is showing others what’s possible. I’m proof that the trades can lead to independence, success, and confidence.
MIRA POLSKI LEVEL 3 CARPENTER’S APPRENTICE I feel empowered knowing I can tackle home projects confidently. One Saturday afternoon, my parents needed new stairs for their porch, so I built them myself. The skills I’ve learned allow me to take on challenges like this and make a real difference for my family and myself. While there may be barriers for women in male-dominated fields, I believe the focus should be on treating everyone as skilled tradespeople. I don’t always feel empowered every day, but I still show up and do what I love because it’s the work itself that drives me.
KAYLA BECKETT - JOURNEYMAN DRYWALLER AND BUSINESS OWNER I love being the role model that other drywallers look up to for advice on tools, techniques, and investing in themselves. Some even get to try out tools on my job sites. Being a positive, bubbly taper on the job brings light to my work. When others see my clean job sites, my skills shine, but my passion speaks even louder.
JESSICA BANNISTER LEVEL 3 HVAC APPRENTICE I find the fact that skilled trades careers are so integral to the infrastructure and success of our modern society, to contribute to that is extremely rewarding and empowering.
Visit innovatingcanada.ca to read the full interviews.
Equity in Skilled Trades: Respect, Belonging, and Meeting People Where They Are Achieving equity in this workforce isn’t just a moral imperative — it’s essential for long-term success.
T
France Daviault
France Daviault CEO, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
he skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, shaping the communities we live in and the infrastructure we depend on. Yet, for too long, barriers have kept many individuals from seeing themselves in these vital roles. As we face growing labour shortages and an evolving workforce, ensuring equity in the skilled trades isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a necessity. At its heart, equity is about respect. It’s about recognizing that every person brings unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the table. Respect starts with acknowledging people’s individuality, not trying to fit them into predetermined boxes. It’s about meeting them where they are and understanding what they need to thrive. This shift in mindset is essential. Historically, many efforts to promote diversity focused on categories — race, gender, age —rather than the intersectional experiences of real people. Today, we understand that
belonging goes deeper than representation; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Imagine stepping onto a worksite where you feel out of place because of your background or identity. That feeling of isolation can be discouraging and, for some, career-ending. On the other hand, consider the power of a workplace where everyone feels they belong—a place where mentors are ready to guide, colleagues collaborate without judgment, and policies reflect fairness and inclusion. Equity in the skilled trades means removing barriers so everyone can participate fully. It’s providing the right tools, resources, and support for individuals to succeed,
Join us at the 2025 SET Conference to make this vision a reality – together.
whether it’s flexible training options, mentorship programs, or policies that prioritize safety and inclusion. It’s ensuring that respect for humanity underpins everything we do. As we work toward a more inclusive skilled trades workforce, we must remember that equity isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about creating meaningful, lasting change. It’s about looking each individual in the eye and saying, “You belong here.” When we do that, we’ll not only build stronger communities but a stronger workforce for generations to come.
This article was sponsored by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum.
Publisher: Hannah Morreale Business Development Manager: Sarah Ferreira Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production & Delivery Manager: Michael Taylor Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Designer: Miranda Robinson Digital Media Manager: Karm Rathod All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.