Each March, during Women in Construction Week (WIC), we celebrate the women shaping the skilled trades and breaking barriers in the industry. To mark the occasion, we invited renowned tradeswoman Sherry Holmes, Contractor, TV Host and DIY Enthusiast, to share her advice for those considering a career in the trades.
Sherry Holmes’ Top Tips
Tip 1: Just get started. Dive right in!
For Sherry, it’s all about passion over perfection. Everyone has to start somewhere, so why not start now?
Tip 2: Explore all the different trades and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
You never know what you’re going to love or be great at until you try it.
Tip 3: Find mentors and supportive communities.
Connecting with experienced professionals can provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight. Skills/Compétences Canada offers young people opportunities to meet mentors and explore different trades firsthand.
Tip 4: Be a visible woman in the trades.
Representation truly changes perception. When you see someone like you succeeding in the industry, confidence grows, and so does the belief that you belong there too.
Tradeswomen like Sherry Holmes demonstrate exactly what’s possible when women pursue careers in the skilled trades with passion and determination. WIC shines a light on the vital role women play in shaping the construction industry, celebrating those who challenge stereotypes and lead with confidence. Sherry Holmes’ own career illustrates why visibility matters, and WIC encourages women everywhere to follow that lead.
WIC also acts as a call to action, inspiring women to explore opportunities in skilled trades and see themselves represented in these careers. As Sherry reminds us, representation matters. When women see themselves reflected in the industry, confidence grows, and with confidence comes the courage to take the first step.
To help make this happen, Skills/Compétences Canada offers programs that support women in the trades, including the Empowering Women in Trades (EWIT) initiative. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, young women are supported in exploring their potential, reinforcing the message Sherry Holmes shared about the power of community and visible role models.
With the right mentors and supportive communities, starting a career in the skilled trades doesn’t have to feel like a leap of faith. Women can build lasting, rewarding careers and see themselves as leaders in the industry, embodying the spirit of Women in Construction Week.
Check out Sherry Holmes’ video on WIC.
