Women Leading and Building Canada’s Future: Paving the Way for Women in Trades
The Women Leading and Building Canada’s Future (WLBCF) project at NAIT is making real change for women in the skilled trades. Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, the project started because NAIT staff saw two big problems: a looming shortage of skilled workers and the barriers women face when entering and staying in the trades. The project supports women financially, helps create inclusive learning environments, and works with industry to remove barriers that hold women back.
Already, over 300 women have received help with tuition, materials, childcare, and housing support that makes a real difference in getting started and staying in their programs. The Build Her Up Conference, which made a powerful impact this year, returns on March 5, 2026 with the inspiring theme: “The Journey You Build.” This year’s focus will center on professional development and wellbeing, empowering attendees to reflect on their growth and resilience in the trades. Bringing together employers, industry leaders, and trades-curious women, the conference created space for honest conversations, networking, and learning. This year 147 people attended, and the team is aiming for 300 in 2026.
The project is evolving, too. Some funding was recently directed to NAIT’s Indigenous Partnerships & Engagement Unit to support the Job Readiness Pathways for Indigenous Women in Skilled Trades. This program helps participants build foundational skills, learn safety practices, and gain tool competency showing the project’s commitment to reaching more women and creating opportunities where they’re needed most.
What makes this project, so rewarding is seeing the people behind it, the steering committee, NAIT staff, and industry partners, all passionate about breaking down barriers. By supporting women in the trades, WLBCF is helping Alberta’s workforce grow while creating a more inclusive and innovative industry for the future.
WLBCF also emphasizes that there’s no one way to be in the trades. From working in schools or industrial plants, to infrastructure projects or high-security environments, there’s a career path for nearly every interest. Young women are discovering that if they connect with supportive networks, explore opportunities, and figure out what excites them, they can build meaningful, rewarding careers.