Valerie Overend, Executive Director of Saskatchewan Women in Trades and
Technology (SaskWITT) is excited about the recent changes in the construction
industry. "When you drive by a construction site these days, chances are that you
will see one or two women wielding tools, climbing ladders or hauling materials
alongside the rest of the crew. This is not an unusual sight. What is unusual is
their profile. Up until recently, the average age of women entering trades has been
approximately 30, with many women choosing to try it out after a series of jobs
that left them dissatisfied.
The past few years has seen a surge of
young women in their late teens or early 20s
who are planning to make a career in a
construction trade. Public support for their
choices is beginning to sway and it is more
acceptable for a young woman to enter
occupations in a previously male domain.
These women are expressing enjoyment in
their jobs and cite the challenges, good pay
and particularly the physical aspects of the
work as being the biggest rewards.”
Valerie often hears from women who wanted
to try working in a trade but did not pursue
their dreams. The most common reason was
concern about their strength. However, as
someone who spent several years as a carpenter,
she knows that tradeswomen quickly
learn to use body mechanics for leverage to
perform a difficult task or how to choose the
proper equipment or tools to move a heavy
object.
Now is the perfect time to pursue a career in
the construction trades. An impending skills
shortage means jobs are opening up to
women. Opportunities to enter into
construction occupations are becoming
available to women in the same way as the
medical and legal professions did in the ‘70s
and engineering technologies did in the ‘80s
and ‘90s.”
Young women who want a non-traditional
career that is physically and intellectually
challenging should definitely check out the
construction industry.
Valerie Overend, “Trade Jobs are for Boys Girls!”, Briarpatch Magazine, March 2005.
This is what
people on the job
are saying . . .
Kris Wall (housing inspector)
I have always enjoyed being
active and spending time outdoors,
so I began an apprenticeship in
carpentry and earned a
journeyman certificate. Since that
time, I have done some teaching,
worked as an apprenticeship
consultant, and presently I am
working as a housing inspector
for Saskatchewan Housing
Corporation. I found my career
as a carpenter very rewarding,
and my journeyman certification
has provided me with many other
career opportunities.
