In the skilled trades and construction, there is an increasing call for more women to enter the field. Approximately 5% of skilled trade workers in Canada are women, according to Statistics Canada. Across Canada, women bring their skills and expertise to deliver vital infrastructure needed to sustain our communities. At Modern Niagara, we’re proud to foster an inclusive environment to support the advancement of women in the industry. We recently sat down with Sheet Metal Apprentice, Xana Rogers to learn more about her perspective working in the skilled trades. 
What motivated you to join the construction industry, and how has your experience been so far?
I had been working in a few different warehouse jobs and realized that there wasn’t very much room for growth in the industry. My father is a sheet metal worker and suggested I apply to be an apprentice, and I am so glad I did! This has been such an amazing experience for me. I have always been a hands-on worker, and this field of work has allowed me to explore all my capabilities. I feel grateful to have made a career out of it.
How have you seen the industry evolve in terms of gender diversity and inclusion throughout your career?
Each year I am seeing more and more women join the industry and stepping away from “traditional” roles. I think there have always been women who wanted to do so but felt that they couldn’t due to societal standards and prejudices, so I am thankful that things are changing for my generation and the ones to follow.
What has been the highlight of your career as a woman in construction?
Although I have a long way to go, the highlight so far has been having co-workers and mentors who have truly invested in me and my work. I have made many mistakes but have always had a helping hand encouraging me to learn from them.
What advice would you give to women looking to enter the industry?
My advice would be to not get discouraged – making mistakes is inevitable and you will only learn from them. If you always try to do your best, there will always be people willing to help you.
In your opinion, what more can be done to further foster and advance inclusion in construction?
I think the industry has come a very long way from the generations before mine, and motivating more women to consider this career path would be beneficial.
What is your hope for the future of the industry?
My hope is to keep seeing the exponential growth that we have been seeing in the last decade or so.
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