b'WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTIONwhy now is the time for the construction industry to up its game. There is a huge demand for careers in construction, and many women have shown how committed they are to the industry, with their passion, attention to details and a feminine approach to solution-based leadership, she says. And women have already proved themselves willing and able to answer the call.OVERCOMING BARRIERSWelcoming more women to the construction trades is a necessity. Still, its not as easy as hanging aCAWIC SECRETARY LAURA KRISCHE, PRESIDENT LUANA BURATYNSKI ANDnow hiring sign on the front window.PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR CHRISTINA KONTOGEORGOPOULOSAttracting, recruiting and retaining both female tradespeople and industry workers requires efforts across numerous fronts, as outlined here. Building industry awareness: Generating interest in the trades means engaging women at the onset of their careers. As Ashick points out, Its important to start building that awareness for the trades in school, because youth dont always consider construction jobs, and if they do, they dont know it is not just about getting dirty and working with your hands.For this reason, getting out in front of high schoolor even elementary schoolstudents is key to fighting misconceptions, piquing interest, and showing girls that a career in the industry can be as interesting and rewarding as other careers. CAWIC is among numerous organizations that have developed student outreach programs to engage potential talent at a young age. In partnership with the Build a Dream organization, for example, CAWIC conducts workshops and town halls with girls across Canada to foster interest in skilled trade positions. Canadas Leading Supplier of Custom-Made Education pathways: Its important that women have clear educationalWindow Coverings Since 1947. pathways to pursue an interest in construction beyond high school. Promisingly, programs like the WomensDedicated Project Managers Knowledgeable Support StaffEnterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) in Ontario, Trades Discovery forTrained, Experienced Installers Manufacturing Plant Located in GTAWomen at British Columbias Institute of Technology, emPOWERWomen in Trades in Calgary, Alberta, and theToll Free: 1-800-663-9587Women in Trades and Technology (WITT)Email: info@west-port.comat Saskatchewan Polytechnic are among a growing list of educational initiativesWebsite: www.west-port.comequipping women with the skills and BUILDERSDIGEST Quarter 3 202127'