women in the roofing industry
April 22, 2025
How business leaders can get more women working in Canada’s roofing industry
Changing demographics and attitudes mean more opportunities for women in skilled trades
Increasing numbers of Canadians view careers in the skilled trades favourably, but the reality that it is still more challenging for women to successfully enter the construction industry.
Harmful stereotypes hamper potential roofers, electricians, contractors and carpenters from exploring opportunities in the field.
While Canada’s construction industry is ever growing, its workforce is shrinking as more people retire and demographics shift. The capital and will to build are there, but there aren’t enough labourers to meet the demand. Women currently make up just over five per cent of on-site construction workers – the more that get hired, the closer we become to closing that gap.
At the same time, women stand to benefit from having jobs in the skilled trades, which are seen as some of the most stable because of consistent demand. The industry offers some of the highest-paying jobs for entry-level workers and is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to grow their own businesses.
There are more women than ever in the sector, and that’s good news for everyone. However, change has been slow, and business leaders need to be intentional about how they recruit – and retain – women.
Encourage curiosity from the get-go
Some people have a natural aptitude for using their hands. However, it’s hard to discover new talents if you aren’t exposed to new activities.
Introducing young women and girls to the trades through books, entertainment, extracurriculars and learning opportunities is the first step to exposing them to the trades. It may seem like a small thing, but a single resource or event may open them up to a world of work they hadn’t considered before.
If you are looking to give back to the community as business owner, or just as a volunteer, consider creating or funding the development of educational resources, and find ways to contribute to local career fairs and skilled trades competitions.
Normalize female mentors
Representation matters, and if women see female leadership excel in roofing, they are more likely to explore the profession themselves.
The Female Roofing Professional of the Year competition encourages the public to nominate women who have faced adversity or gone above and beyond for a customer, co-worker, or her community.
Contests like this also serve to disprove stereotypes about women in the construction industry, putting their work on display in a way that emphasizes their capabilities and normalizes their presence.
Change the culture around roofing
The trades have long been dominated by men, but more and more women are proving they have what it takes to be successful in roofing and beyond.
Some of these shifts have happened because of explicit policy changes by businesses, while others have resulted from organizations like the National Women in Roofing Canada chapter and the Canadian Association of Women in Construction pushing for a more diverse and inclusive construction industry.
Companies need to be creative and intentional about recruiting women to their teams and giving them chances to show their skills – when they do, we collectively stand to benefit.