Helmets to Hardhats organization aims to increase female representation in the skilled trades

OTTAWA — Everyone knows there is a lack of women in skilled trades.

However, with the demand at an all-time high for skilled tradespeople, The organization Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) is attempting to help more women get into trades.

Today, on International Women’s Day (March 8th, 2024,) H2H continues to assist women in service in their search to find rewarding second careers in the skilled trades.

This initiative has been ongoing since 2022 and has successfully registered 145 individuals into skilled trades.

H2H expects to surpass their goal of 150 diverse registrants by the end of March 2024.

James Hogarth, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats says “I want to help others get started in a career that can support themselves and their families.”

“Change is coming, and change is scary, but change is ok, and for me, change is welcome. There is a place for everyone to succeed and I want to be the change I would like to see in the world.”

Female Construction Worker | Adobe Stock

At the moment Canada has seen an aging demographic in the workforce, the construction industry needs to recruit 309,000 new workers over the next decade.

Helmets to Hardhats knows that the military community is a demographic not used enough in filling these labour shortages.

Employers will attest to the skills that the military community brings to the workforce, including leadership, time management and work ethic.

Construction Yard | TransMountain.com

Emma Pollard, Project Director for the Office to Advance Women Apprentices Alberta says “During my time in the military, I was unaware of the vast opportunities in the civilian world that would have been available to me after my service.”

“At Helmets to Hardhats, I can promote and connect other Veterans to incredible and versatile careers in the skilled trades.”

“Providing the military community with the knowledge they need to start a second successful career ensures all Veterans feel supported and empowered to enter their next chapter.”

H2H strongly believes that the construction industry has a significant role to play in breaking down barriers and biases to ensure that all women have the chance to find success in the skilled trades.

You can check out their website at https://helmetstohardhats.ca/ if you are interested in getting into trades.