Women in Construction: Key Trends and Stats
Introduction
The construction industry in Canada is seeing a gradual increase in women’s participation, now at around 14% of the workforce, up from 12% last year. Companies like HKC Construction, founded by Helen and Kosta Mentis, are leading the way as a 50% women-owned business. Helen Mentis, as Executive Vice President, plays a key role in promoting inclusivity. This blog explores the current state, HKC’s contributions, and the future of women in construction.
Current State and Challenges
Statistics show women’s employment in construction grew from 194,300 in May 2022 to 221,900 in May 2023, a 14% increase, according to BuildForce Canada. However, they remain underrepresented in on-site trades (3-4%) compared to off-site roles (40%). A CAWIC survey found 73% of women and 57% of men agree more needs to be done to attract and retain women, highlighting challenges like gender stereotypes.
HKC Construction’s Role
HKC Construction is a 50% women-owned business, emphasizing inclusivity. Founded in 2010, it’s grown significantly, with a 1,186% revenue increase, earning a spot on The Globe and Mail’s 2024 list. Helen Mentis, co-founder and Executive Vice President, oversees operations, setting a strong example for women in leadership, though specific programs for women aren’t publicly detailed.
Women in Construction: Key Statistics
Participation in Roles (2023)
Workforce Growth (2022–2024)
Total Workforce Share (2023)
Future Outlook
The future looks promising, with initiatives like the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and CAWIC’s 2025 conference supporting women. BuildForce Canada predicts sustained growth, driven by diversity efforts and labor needs.
Detailed Analysis and Insights
Background and Context
As of May 20, 2025, the construction industry in Canada is witnessing a notable shift toward greater gender diversity, particularly with women’s increasing participation. This analysis focuses on HKC Construction, a company founded in 2010 by Helen and Kosta Mentis, based in Mississauga, Ontario. HKC is recognized as a 50% women-owned business, aligning with the growing emphasis on inclusivity in construction. Helen Mentis, as co-founder and Executive Vice President, plays a pivotal role in operations, managing resources, budgets, and safety standards, with over a decade of industry experience. The company’s growth, marked by a 1,186% revenue increase over three years, earned it a ranking as the fastest-growing general contractor in Mississauga on The Globe and Mail’s 2024 list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies, reflecting its national leadership in general contracting, construction management, and design-build services across commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential sectors.
Current State of Women in Construction
Research from BuildForce Canada indicates women now comprise approximately 14% of Canada’s construction workforce in 2023, up from 12% the previous year, with employment figures rising from 194,300 in May 2022 to 221,900 in May 2023, a 14% increase. By January 2024, female employment grew by an additional 8,700 workers, or 4.5%, particularly among women aged 25 to 54. However, challenges remain, with women underrepresented in on-site trades (3-4%) compared to off-site roles (40%), as per BuildForce Canada. A CAWIC 2024 survey revealed 69% of respondents agree the industry needs a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce to thrive, with 73% of women and 57% of men agreeing more must be done to attract and retain women. Barriers include gender stereotypes, lack of role models, and work-life balance issues, as highlighted in the survey.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Women in construction workforce (2023) | 14% |
| Increase in female employment (May 2022–May 2023) | 194,300 to 221,900 |
| Female employment growth (Jan 2024) | +8,700 workers (4.5%) |
| Women in on-site trades | 3-4% |
| Women in off-site roles | 40% |
HKC Construction’s Contribution to Women in Construction
HKC Construction stands out as a 50% women-owned business, deeply valuing inclusivity and equal opportunity, principles core to its operations. While specific programs for women aren’t publicly detailed, its structure inherently promotes gender equality. Helen Mentis’s leadership, overseeing operations and ensuring quality and safety, serves as a model for women in construction. The company’s growth, detailed in HKC Construction Named Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025, underscores its impact, with a focus on sectors like commercial and industrial construction, aligning with industry trends toward diversity.
Success Stories and Role Models
The industry is seeing a shift, with leaders like Helen Mentis paving the way. CAWIC emphasizes women in leadership, with 68% of 2024 survey respondents agreeing women must have a seat at the table to drive change. CAWIC’s initiatives, including its 2025 National Annual Conference and networking events like curling bonspiels, provide platforms for women to connect and advance. Helen Mentis’s role at HKC exemplifies this, inspiring others, though specific employee stories from HKC aren’t publicly available, their commitment to diversity sets a benchmark.
Future Outlook and Initiatives
The future for women in construction looks promising, with BuildForce Canada predicting sustained growth driven by labor shortages and diversity efforts. Government initiatives, such as the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, support women, with programs like the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative providing resources, as noted in Job Bank Construction Ontario 2024-2026. CAWIC’s 2025 conference further advances this, focusing on education and networking, fostering an equitable, innovative construction sector.
Conclusion
HKC Construction and Helen Mentis highlight the potential of women in construction, leading by example in inclusivity. With support from CAWIC and government programs, the industry is set for growth, bringing new perspectives and innovation, building a future that’s equitable and dynamic.
