In Canada, women are the majority (51%) of the national population. Yet women still represent less than 10% of the national transportation, construction and skilled trades sectors workforce. In New Brunswick, women represent about 4% of the New Brunswick skilled trades workforce. Women in non-traditional skilled trades, such as construction, automotive, truck and transport, represent less then 3% of the provinces apprentices.
These numbers are significant as Canada is currently experiencing a demographic decline that makes it difficult for employers in these sectors (transportation, construction and skilled trades) to find skilled tradespeople to fill their positions.

What do we mean by "non-traditional" skilled trades for girls and women you might ask? A non-traditional skilled trade means an occupation in which women or men make up less than 25% of the total workforce (GNB Women's Equality Branch).

A combination of an ageing workforce in skilled trades with an ageing Canadian infrastructure and a commitment by government to invest in infrastructure projects could produce significant employment and economic opportunity in construction trades for the foreseeable future.

Women make up more than half of the Canadian population. Those women who choose a career in skilled trades and are supported by their employer and colleagues are proven to:

• Improve productivity and safety due to higher communication skills
• Have a collaborative work style / be team oriented
• Are more detailed and process-oriented
• Possess better dexterity and fine motor skills for smaller jobs
• Are better at finishes