The women’s caucus of the BC Building Trades has become the first chapter in Canada to welcome transgender people to its membership.

Name: Chelsea French
Trade: Commercial Transportation Mechanic
Union: IUOE Local 115
Main reason I selected my trade: I have always loved working with my hands and this industry found me and informed me of the opportunity to better support my family. A stable career in a set location, with set hours, and financial stability while doing something I really enjoy.
Number of women in your first trades class: 0
Favourite tool of your trade: I love all the tools ... the more the better! If I had to only pick one though it would likely be an air hammer.

For every 100 skilled trades workers on a construction site in B.C., an average of four are women. But Sandra Brynjolfson and Julia Ballantyne are among a legion of women tradespeople trying to change all that.

Build TogetHER's Ashley Duncan joined a panel presenting on careers in the trades at a Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland Career Camp. We asked their permission to publish their lovely thank-you note. Way to go, Ashley!

When someone tells Sandra Brynjolfson she can’t do something, they are most often wrong.

Build TogetHER BC is giving away money!

We're thrilled to announce our first-ever Build TogetHER scholarship for women in the trades, thanks to the generosity of Sheet Metal Local 280, and our own Tara McDonald, who took the initiative to raise the issue with her union and generate member support.

Members of the B.C. chapter of Build TogetHER have never seen a wall they couldn’t either build or break down!

It’s been a busy spring with presentations at Skills BC in April and at the Delta Trades and Career Fair in May. Build TogetHER BC continued on their great work in June by joining with tradeswomen inside and outside the Building Trades for a special construction project at a women’s centre in Vancouver. Women from a variety of affiliates helped with a renovation/build at the WISH Centre in Vancouver’s poorest neighbourhood, the Downtown Eastside. WISH provides a safe haven, resources and referrals for women in the street-based sex trade.

Check out Amy Carr's interview with the Victoria News!

Build TogetHER's Amy Carr and Becky Lupton were honoured by the B.C. Construction Association.

Bigger, better and building together - that's how we roll!

The Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades Council has announced the creation of a Nova Scotia Build TogetHER chapter, and we are thrilled.

The announcement was made at the Mainland Nova Scotia Building Trades fifth annual conference in Halifax, where Build TogetHER members shared their experiences in the industry, along with the group’s plans to promote, support and mentor women, while working to change the stereotypes of the skilled trades to make it a more accessible career to women and other minorities.

Congratulations, Build TogetHER Nova Scotia!