“Become a Woman of Power”: Resources for Involving Women in the Industry

To promote women in the electricity workforce, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) has produced a report for employers that highlights challenges for women, as well as programs and case studies that are working across the country. These resources are the outcome of EHRC’s Bridging the Gap project.

Women represent only a quarter of the electricity workforce, compared to the national average of 48%. In the trades, that number is much lower, at 4%.

The Bridging the Gap project involved two phases comprising interviews, focus groups, networking events. This enabled EHRC to gather valuable feedback and research around the issues and barriers that women face when working in the industry and when considering the industry as a possible career choice.

During the research process, EHRC spoke to women currently working in the sector, and asked them

• what drove them to work, and stay, in the sector

• about the challenges they experienced and the support they received along the way

• what they loved about working their jobs and why EHRC should be encouraging other women to consider a job “keeping the lights on” in Canada.

EHRC  also heard from young women still in high school and post-secondary education, and employers and educators.

The project was conducted with support from Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Hydro One, Employment Ontario, Alberta Advanced Education, and Engineers Canada.

Learn more about how to engage women in the industry: http://electricityhr.ca/bridgingthegap.