Shift Change

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

Shift Change is about growing a diverse and equitable trades industry in Nova Scotia. One where women and gender diverse people can safely grow careers in skilled trades. And where we all work to update unhealthy workplace cultures so that everyone can thrive on the job and in the industry.

The reality today is that women and gender diverse people experience increased rates violence, harassment, and unsafe working environments in the skilled trades industry across Canada.

A change must happen if the industry is to grow and sustain itself.

Shift Change is one way YWCA is participating in this change. Shift Change, unlike most of the YWCA Halifax’s programs, does not work with women and gender diverse people directly. Instead, we work with the people who employ and support them. We work with skilled trade agencies, community organizations, and companies to ensure every woman and gender diverse person can thrive.

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or mindful trades professional and want to learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) this is a great place to start.

If you’re unclear or curious about what do to next to make your workplace culture safer, keep reading.

What’s Here

You’ll find the tools, tips, peer experiences, and resources specific to trades in Nova Scotia to help you build a great workplace culture, and a strong, diverse workforce to take your business and career in trades forward.

Shift Change is a process, not a program. The work and learning is ongoing, and the positive results keep compounding. Through Shift Change, YWCA and our wonderful WiSTAN Partners deliver:

  • Learning series programs
  • Workshops
  • Group dialogue opportunities
  • Action-based resources
YWCA-Halifax-SGBH-Key-Findings-Report-2024-with-recomendationsDownload

Shift Change Resources

The Women in Skilled Trades Advocacy Network

Many agencies we work with directly support women and gender diverse people through jobs, trainings, and events. We help communicate their programs through the Women in Skilled Trades Advocacy Network (WiSTAN), a network building safe trades workplaces.

Through WiSTAN, Shift Change has helped implement the Nova Scotia Trades Connection website, a database for everyone to start or continue their work in skilled trades and connect with our WiSTAN partners. On this website, we post updates, new jobs and trainings, informational programs, and so much more. Although it is spearheaded by the YWCA and WiSTAN, anyone can use the website, regardless of gender and sexual identity. You can find this website by clicking the button below.

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.

We Are Trades Toolkit
Shift Change Supervisor Training Program
NS Trades
Resource Centre

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