Building a diverse future for the residential construction industry

The West End Home Builders’ Association Women in Industry (WIN) Committee aims to support, educate, connect and empower women in industry and to inspire girls and women of all ages to follow their dreams in any industry. Historically, women have been underrepresented in the residential construction, skilled trades and STEM industries due to societal and cultural stereotypes, as well as barriers related to gender bias. The WIN committee partners with local organizations to create a platform where women professionals can collaborate, create and transfer knowledge. Through networking and educational events, the committee brings individuals, companies and organizations together to provide education, advance gender diversity, increase workplace inclusion and celebrate the successes and contributions of women in the industry.

Young women and gender diverse individuals

For a second consecutive year, the West End Home Builders’ Association partnered with Mohawk College and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) for the WEBUILD educational showcase that took place on Oct. 11 at Mohawk College, Stoney Creek Campus of Skilled Trades. The event offered 100 young women and gender diverse individuals in Grades 7 and 8 the opportunity to learn about the rewarding career possibilities in the residential construction, skilled trades and STEM industries. The showcase consisted of a full day of interactive workshop sessions, tours of Mohawk Campus and an inspiring session with MP Lisa Hepfner and YORK 1 Business Development Director Christina Murray.

“We are honoured we have the opportunity to educate young women about the rewarding career opportunities within the industry, and we are thankful for the continuous support we receive from our members and community partners,” says Terri Johns, WEHBA president. “The WEHBA Women in Industry (WIN) Committee will continue to advocate for positive, cultural change and gender diversity in the residential construction industry.”

Career opportunities in residential construction

The purpose of the WEBUILD Showcase is to inform young women in Grades 7 and 8 in the Hamilton District School Boards about the career opportunities in residential construction, and the academic pathways to get them started. During the event, students had the opportunity to visit different booths hosted by community partners and WEHBA members of different trades and fields. The booths included hands-on activities in renovation (Heartwood Renovations), builder scheduling (Cachet Homes), HVAC (Dynamic Heating & Cooling), heavy-duty rraining and power tool demonstration (Milwaukee Tool), structural engineering (Mohawk College), millwork (Riverside Millwork Group), excavation simulation (YORK1), plumbing (Guest Plumbing & Heating), electrical (OYAP) and equipment demonstration (YWCA).

The students participated in friendly competitions, workshops and had the opportunity to talk to professionals from the different trades and specialties. The event was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the WEHBA Women in Industry Committee, as well as the gracious support of WEHBA sponsors T. Johns Consulting, Starward Homes and Marz Homes. All proceeds from the event will go to a Mohawk College scholarship for women and gender diverse individuals in skilled trades.