Women are an underrepresented group in the skilled trades. As of June 30, 2023, 11 per cent of Saskatchewan apprentices self-identified as female and almost seven per cent of Saskatchewan apprentices were females registered in trades where women are underrepresented, which is consistent with the statistics across Canada.

Encouraging women to pursue apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades – particularly in trades where women are underrepresented – is a priority for the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.

Below is a list of programming and supports available to women. For more information on supports available to apprentices, see the Financial Supports page and the Learning Supports page.

• Women In Skilled Trades Initiatives: SATCC Initiative aimed at attracting women to the skilled trades and helping them achieve journeyperson certification through rebates and mentorship (2024-2026).
• Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) through Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers mentorship and networking opportunities, courses, events and conferences for young women interested in learning more about a career in the skilled trades.
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic also offers a Women in Trades Exploratory Course. This hands-on career exploration course offers an introduction to a variety of basic trade skills with workshops led by female trades professionals.
• Build Together Saskatchewan aims to promote careers in the skilled trades to women, support women working in the skilled trades, shatter misconceptions and let women and girls living in Saskatchewan know that working in the trades is a rewarding and viable career path.
• The Office to Advance Women Apprentices was created to engage and support tradeswomen working in construction trades in the province. It provides career services, employment supports and networking opportunities.
• The Skilled Trades Network is a national centralized resource and community for employers and apprentices in the skilled trades. Access information about training programs and financial supports, obtain practical tips and strategies, and network and share your experiences with others.
• Hiring women can offer your business a competitive advantage. Read Hiring and Training Women in the Skilled Trades: The Business Case for Employers.