Shift Change

Welcome to Shift Change. We’re so glad you’re here.

What does a safe workplace look like for all skilled tradespeople?

Here at Shift Change,
we are working toward the full inclusion of women, gender-diverse, and otherwise
marginalized groups in skilled trades workplaces.
According to a report by the YWCA in 2024, women and gender-diverse people face
extensive barriers in the skilled trades. Sexual and gender-based harassment feature
prominently, in the form of explicit comments, “jokes,” and unwanted touching, among
other issues. To access the full report, click here

Thank you for being part of the change!

What’s Here

WiSTAN

This network of partnerships aims to streamline equitable access to skilled trades
careers and resources. Through WiSTAN, Shift Change and our dedicated partners
have established https://nstrades.ca/, a centralized hub of information about skilled
trades career pathways and resources for employers to foster greater inclusivity.

GILC


A safe and equitable workplace begins with leadership and on-site experience. In this
course, skilled trades leaders learn concepts such as awareness of gender in the
workplace, power and privilege, gender differences and identities, the pervasive nature
and solutions to gender-based violence, and more.
Strong leadership skills effectively support trades work retention strategies. The skilled
trades are experiencing a serious labour shortage, and retention of women,
gender-diverse, and otherwise marginalized people through actively equitable worksites
is a key tool in fighting that shortage! If you are interested in hosting or participating in a
cohort of the Gender-Inclusive Leadership Course, email Devin West at
d.west@ywcahalifax.com

Shift Change Resources

The Women in Skilled Trades Advocacy Network

Toolkit:
Through Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology
(CCWESTT), we are excited to offer access to the We Are Trades Toolkit
https://wearetrades.ca/resources/ which provides baseline information about
committing to and promoting inclusion at your own worksite! We encourage you to
engage with the abundant resources that CCWESTT has to offer.

Thank you for your interest in Shift Change. Our programs, combined with your
commitment, can help you feel proud of your business and your legacy. Take the steps
to change your workplace culture, and influence industry, to be more inclusive, diverse,
and resilient!

Connect with our team:

The Gender Inclusive Leadership Course

An equitable and safe workplace begins with male leaders and supervisors. They are key in creating a respectful work environment for everyone in the skilled trades. Our work must include them.

In this conversation-based course, male leaders learn concepts such as awareness of gender in the workplace, gender differences and identities, gender-based violence, and more.

If you are a company representative and would like to learn more, click the button below.

How and Who This Helps

By joining in the Shift Change process you will be taking the next best steps for your business.

There is no judgement here. No scolding, no stupid questions.

You can feel proud of your business and your legacy by taking the steps to change your workplace culture, and influence industry culture, to a more inclusive, diverse, resilient one.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Shift Change Collaborators