Driving a Future Where Equity is the Foundation of the Skilled Trades
By prioritizing equity, we not only create opportunities for underrepresented groups but also address Canada’s skilled labour shortages, ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the skilled trades.
Why Equity in Skilled Trades is Critical
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) are essential to solving Canada’s skills shortage. By engaging equity priority populations, we are not only building the workforce of the future but positioning our country with a significant competitive edge.
Although the skilled trades sector is evolving, the representation of women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, new comers and other equity-priority groups remains disproportionately low. Our commitment is to address systemic barriers and create pathways for all Canadians to access sustainable, fulfilling careers in skilled trades.
Achieving equity begins with understanding the unique challenges these groups face. CAF-FCA is dedicated to research and developing informed policies and solutions that breakdown these barriers.
Key Insights
- Less than 6% of skilled trades people are women.
- 7% of apprentices identify as Indigenous.
- Canada needs approximately 222,000 new journey persons over the next five years to meet future demands.
CAF-FCA is building an Equity Toolbox to empower the skilled trades community. If you have resources that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), contact Emily at emily@caf-fca.org to share your tools and insights.
What is Supporting Equity in Trades?
Supporting Equity in Trades (SET) is a CAF-FCA initiative dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across Canada’s skilled trades sector. SET advocates for breaking down barriers that have historically limited access for women, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
At CAF-FCA, we are dedicated to championing diversity and breaking barriers in the skilled trades. Through critical research, we can drive evidence-based policy changes that promote a more inclusive industry. As we prepare for the 2025 SET Conference, we offer unique sponsorship opportunities for organizations committed to advancing equity. This is a chance to align with our mission, connect with key stakeholders, and make a lasting impact in the skilled trades community.
CAF-FCA Equity Initiatives
CAF-FCA leads various initiatives to foster equity in skilled trades, from research and policy development to professional training programs and partnerships with industry leaders. Our projects include supporting women in trades, mentorship and leadership development, and public speaking for trades people. Through allyship and community engagement, we are making lasting connections and driving change.
2025 SET Conference
Mark your calendars for May 24-26, 2025, and join us in Toronto, ON, for the Supporting Equity in Trades (SET) Conference.
This landmark event will bring together industry professionals, tradespeople, advocates, and thought leaders to explore innovative solutions for advancing equity in the skilled trades.
Call for Presentations is now open.