Celebrating Women in Construction Week with EB Horsman
At EB Horsman, we believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, and Women in Construction Day is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable women who contribute to the success of the industry. From project managers to sales professionals, women continue to make significant strides, bringing innovation, leadership, and expertise to every job site.
The Growing Role of Women in Construction
The construction industry, traditionally male-dominated, is undergoing significant transformation as women increasingly enter the field. Today, women make up nearly 14% of the construction workforce, with their presence growing in skilled trades, management, and technical roles. Over the past five years, the number of women in the trades has increased by 24%, reflecting a broader shift in perceptions and the breaking of long-standing stereotypes.
Despite this progress, challenges such as gender biases, wage gaps, and underrepresentation in leadership positions persist. However, the industry is taking meaningful steps to foster inclusivity by implementing diversity and equity initiatives, expanding mentorship programs, and creating targeted workforce development strategies. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs are also seeing a rise in female enrollment, as more individuals embrace opportunities in the field and contribute fresh perspectives and skills. With growing support systems and increased awareness, this momentum is expected to strengthen, paving the way for a more diverse, innovative, and resilient workforce in the construction sector.
Honouring the Women of EB Horsman
Our team at EB Horsman includes many talented women who play a vital role in supporting the electrical and construction sectors. From inside sales specialists to logistics coordinators, branch managers to technical experts, their dedication helps drive our business forward.
Women like Laura Dempsey are proof that diversity strengthens our industry. Their expertise in customer service, product knowledge, and project management ensures that contractors and builders have the support they need to complete projects successfully.
Resources For Women in Construction
Canadian Construction Women (CCW) is dedicated to strengthening the construction industry by inspiring and supporting women in the field. Since 1981, CCW has engaged its members through monthly site tours, speaker events, networking socials, and professional development workshops. Their online community further enhances opportunities for mentorship, support, and learning. CCW’s mission is to attract and retain women in the construction industry by providing a strong support network and fostering career development.
CCW offers three membership levels: individuals, businesses, and students. Each membership provides access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and industry resources. Students receive a free membership, making it easier for the next generation of women in construction to connect, learn, and grow within the industry.
Women in Construction (WiC) is a grassroots network on Vancouver Island dedicated to promoting and supporting female participation in the construction industry—one of the key sectors of the provincial economy. Supported by the Vancouver Island Construction Association, WiC has active chapters in Nanaimo and Victoria, providing networking, mentorship, and career development opportunities for women in the field.
To further support women in construction, WiC offers the Vancouver Island Women’s PPE Grant, which provides $500 for workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This grant is available to women working in the industry, trades students at Camosun College, Vancouver Island University (VIU), or North Island College, as well as those enrolled in a construction foundations program or Levels 1-4 of a construction apprenticeship.
The LNG Canada Trades Training Fund (TTF) supports small and medium-sized employers in Northwest BC by helping them hire, sponsor, and train apprentices. The fund aims to increase apprenticeship training and completion rates while strengthening the local skilled trades workforce. By investing in workforce development, TTF helps grow the number of qualified British Columbian journeypersons ready to meet industry demands.
