PKHBA Women in Trades Launch 2025

The event brought together about 30 women working in skilled trades and construction, marking the first step in fostering a supportive community where women can thrive in their construction careers.

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During this event, PKHBA announced new programs designed to promote and support women in skilled trades and construction.

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The Ambassador Program is a partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR), Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC), and Fleming College. It aims to encourage more women to pursue careers in skilled trades. At the launch event, representatives from these school partners spoke about the programs available for women in skilled trades.

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• Johanne Denley (PVNC) highlighted the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the Young Women’s Conference hosted by Skills Ontario in Toronto, and partnerships such as Junior Achievement for FemSTEAM programs.

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• Danielle Moher (KPR) discussed the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, teacher and guidance training to support students interested in trades, the new Grade 9 Tech curriculum, and opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience at job sites.

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• Mary MacLeod (Fleming College) spoke about the Building Bridges and dual credit programs, as well as the college’s partnerships with local schools. She noted that over 1,400 high school students had the opportunity to work with tools—some for the first time—sparking an interest in hands-on careers.

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The Mentorship Program provides women in construction with guidance and support from experienced industry leaders within the PKHBA membership. This program covers four key topics: entrepreneurship, workplace culture, systems and processes, and sales and marketing.

These initiatives align with PKHBA’s mission to foster a collaborative and supportive residential construction industry. The Women in Trades programs aim to empower and celebrate women in the skilled trades.

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With a strong focus on connection and collaboration, this initiative is about more than breaking barriers—it’s about building bridges. 

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"The power of women supporting each other is unmatched," says Andria Cowan, Owner of ACM Designs in Haliburton and Chair of the Women in Trades Committee at PKHBA. "By coming together, we can create positive change, open new doors, and inspire future generations of women to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades."

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By working together, women can accomplish anything they set their minds to. PKHBA is proud to provide the space and connections needed to strengthen and grow this community.

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If you would like to participate in the programs please contact Rebecca at PKHBA.

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