Trade Jobs for Women in Ontario: Breaking Barriers & Building Careers 2026
Trade Jobs for Women in Ontario: Your Complete 2026 Career Guide
Women are increasingly breaking into Ontario's skilled trades, and the opportunities have never been better. With targeted recruitment programs, scholarships, and a growing community of female tradespeople, Ontario is actively working to diversify its workforce. This guide covers everything women need to know about launching a successful trades career in Ontario in 2026.
Why Women Should Consider the Skilled Trades
- High earning potential — trades careers offer $50,000-$130,000+ salaries with overtime opportunities
- Job security — Ontario faces critical skilled trades shortages across all sectors
- Hands-on work — active, varied work that's never boring
- Clear career path — apprenticeship to journeyperson to business owner
- Making a difference — building Ontario's infrastructure and communities
- Entrepreneurship opportunities — many women start their own trades businesses
Top-Paying Trades for Women in Ontario
| Trade | Journeyman Salary Range | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator Mechanic | $100,000 - $156,000 | Very Strong |
| Electrician (309A) | $65,000 - $110,000 | Strong |
| Plumber (306A) | $60,000 - $100,000 | Strong |
| HVAC Technician | $55,000 - $95,000 | Strong |
| Millwright | $73,000 - $125,000 | Strong |
| Carpenter | $50,000 - $85,000 | Moderate-Strong |
| Welder | $50,000 - $90,000 | Strong |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $55,000 - $94,000 | Moderate-Strong |
Programs Supporting Women in Ontario Trades
Government Programs
- Ontario Women's Directorate Trades Training — funding for women entering non-traditional trades
- Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) — dedicated support and resources for women in apprenticeships
- Canada-Ontario Job Grant — employer-sponsored training funding
Industry Organizations
- Women Building Futures — pre-apprenticeship training and job placement
- Trade Her Up — mentorship and networking for women in Ontario trades
- Women in Construction (WIC) — professional development and advocacy
- Elles construisent l'avenir — French-language support for women in Ontario trades
Scholarships & Financial Support
- Skilled Trades Ontario Women in Trades Scholarship — up to $3,000 for women apprentices
- Canadian Tradeswoman Foundation — financial support for tools and training
- Union-sponsored scholarships — many Ontario unions offer women-specific bursaries
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
While the trades are becoming more inclusive, women may still face challenges. Here's how to navigate them:
- Finding mentorship — connect with organizations like Trade Her Up and Women Building Futures
- Workplace culture — Ontario's human rights protections and union support provide strong safeguards
- Physical demands — proper technique and equipment make any trade accessible regardless of size
- Work-life balance — many trades offer flexible scheduling, and ownership provides ultimate control
Job Outlook for Women in Ontario Trades 2026
Ontario is actively recruiting women into the trades. With the province needing 300,000+ new skilled workers by 2030, and women currently representing only about 7% of the trades workforce, there are unprecedented opportunities. Many employers now have diversity targets and dedicated recruitment programs for women.
Find Trade Jobs for Women in Ontario
Browse current trades job openings across Ontario on TradesON's trades directory. Whether you're exploring your first apprenticeship or advancing your career, Ontario's trades welcome women at every level.