Women in Trades

There are excellent opportunities for women in the skilled trades. Certified tradespeople are in demand in the Nova Scotia labour force. So, if you want a rewarding career, now is the time to explore an apprenticeship program. The Agency is committed to support and partner with organizations such as Women Unlimited and the YWCA to ensure trades pathways that work for women are built collaboratively, barriers are identified and addressed, and more opportunities for women to complete apprenticeship exist across the province.

For more information, check out the information below or contact the Women in Trades Team at the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency: 

Advancing Women in Apprenticeship initiatives aim to support recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in the 39 Red Seal construction and manufacturing trades. Initiatives to support women in their apprenticeship journey include: 

  • The Women in Trades Incentive for new apprentices.
  • Learning supports to address learning challenges that may impact progression.
  • Development of a mentorship program for women to promote connection, support, encouragement, and safe, inclusive work experiences.
  • Engagement activities with women, employers, and industry partners to increase awareness and support the creation of safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces for women.

 For more information, refer to the Advancing Women in Apprenticeship Guidelines. 

CAS logoAdvancing Women in Apprenticeship initiatives administered by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency are funded in part by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.

Let’s Connect: Mentorship for Women Apprentices

This program is designed to support the retention and progression to certification of women apprentices in the 39 Red Seal Construction or Manufacturing trades. The program pairs women apprentices with experienced tradespeople to provide guidance, career development, and support throughout their apprenticeship.

The program is for 6 months, with the mentor and mentee participating in 4-6 meetings during that time (as determined between the mentor/mentee). 

  • On-demand mentorship training and tips on how to get the most out of the relationship will be provided. 

  • Accommodating your preferences as best as possible when matching mentors and mentees

  • It is flexible - participants choose when they meet and how to work together. 

  • Participation is voluntary.

  • The program is administered by EnPoint on behalf of NSAA.

Mentor Eligibility:
Experienced tradespeople in one of the 39 Red Seal construction or manufacturing trades must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. A certified journeyperson with a valid Certificate of Qualification (CofQ)
  2. Currently an apprentice in the final year of their apprenticeship program
  3. Have a minimum of 5-6 years of hands-on experience in the trade

Mentee Eligibility:
 Women apprentices who are registered in one of the 39 Red Seal construction or manufacturing trades. Mentees can be at any stage of their apprenticeship and must be committed to connecting with their mentor over 6 months, 4-6 times. 

Learn More: 

Haley, Red Seal Cook

Haley explains the trade and the apprenticeship pathway.

Melissa Cooke, Red Seal Plumber

Success Story

Melissa, Red Seal Plumber


 

Read Melissa's story "Women Belong in the Skilled Trades"

Success Story

Kelsey, Red Seal Machinist

Kelsey explains the trade and the apprenticeship pathway.

Success Story

Women in Trucking

Women in trucking in Nova Scotia and across Canada