Mentor Emily: Breaking Barriers and Building Belonging in the Trades

We’re back with another inspiring story in our mentor blog series…this time from skilled trades mentor Emily Pyke. A passionate advocate for diversity in the trades, Emily highlights the many initiatives across Ontario (and beyond) that are helping women break into and succeed in the skilled trades.

Keep reading for Emily’s perspective…

Breaking Barriers: Supporting Women in the Skilled Trades

“Let’s be real—the trades haven’t always felt like the most welcoming space for women. But things are changing. Across Ontario, more women are entering the trades, building careers, and proving that skill and determination, not gender, are what really matter.

There’s also a growing number of programs working hard to support women along the way. These aren’t just one-off events. They’re building networks, creating opportunities, and challenging the old idea of who ‘belongs’ in the trades.

Programs like Jill of All Trades™ give high school students a chance to try out real tools, meet women already working in the industry, and picture themselves in hands-on careers. That early exposure is key.

Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) programs, like the ones offered at Conestoga College, go even further by providing full pre-apprenticeship training in trades like electrical, welding, plumbing, and carpentry—all in a supportive, inclusive space.

Then there are initiatives like Skills Ontario’s Young Women’s Conferences and the Supporting Women in Trades (SWIT) project, which are helping young women build confidence, meet mentors, and find their place in a field that’s ready for new voices.

Community-led programs like AutoCate are making a big impact too, offering workshops that create safe spaces for women and non-binary individuals to learn, ask questions, and build skills, without judgement.

And financial support matters. Grants and tuition-free training programs help reduce barriers and open doors for more women to get started and stay in the trades.

The support doesn’t stop at Ontario’s borders. National efforts like Build Together – Women of the Building Trades and Skills Canada’s Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) are showing what’s possible when women are seen, supported, and empowered.

Here’s what I know for sure: representation matters. When women see others thriving in trades, it sends a powerful message: you belong here. Every woman who enters the trades is opening the door a little wider for the next one.

There’s still work to do. But we’re getting there. And I’m proud to be part of a movement that’s building not just careers…but confidence, community, and change.”

– Emily, SOY Mentor

Helping You Take the Next Step

Whether you're just starting to explore or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.

At Support Ontario Youth, we’re committed to making apprenticeship pathways more accessible, inclusive, and clear for everyone, especially those who’ve been historically underrepresented in the trades. We provide mentorship, resources, and support every step of the way, from pre-apprenticeship to certification.

If you're looking for guidance, we can connect you with experienced mentors, help you navigate training and registration, and point you to the tools and programs that fit your goals.

Explore resources and see where the trades can take you:

👉 https://www.supportontarioyouth.ca/how-to-get-started/