The Women In Construction initiative has been developed and is managed by the Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA). This program aims to develop an enriched understanding of the factors that present barriers to women’s participation in the trades, as well as the types of supports and services that can enhance entry and retention rates - and respond to any needs specifically in the unique context of our construction industry.

​The NRCA Women in Construction (WIC) initiative is based on the actions being framed through the recent adoption of the Builders Code and will build on specific strategies on outreach, engagement, and education.

Our Goals

Remove Barriers

Provide resources that supports women experiencing barriers to enter or advance their career in the trades.

Create Networks

Provide a resource to help foster regional networks between women from the trades in Northern BC and across the province.

Provide Education

Provide education on different career paths for women in trades through camps, bursaries, and more.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

RESOURCES

Meet The NRCA Women In Construction Advisory Committee!

The NRCA​ Women in Construction advisory committee in comprised of committed industry leaders. They are helping to develop strategies that will not only engage with current and future generations of tradeswomen, but also to foster collaboration and develop leadership among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and other trades service providers. 

Karen Williams, Chair | Project Manager, Datoff Bros. Construction

​Karen graduated with her Civil Engineering Technologies Diploma through Camosun College in Victoria B.C. While completing school, Karen was already actively working on building her career working as a Field Technician in Victoria.From there Karen moved into the role of Project Coordinator, working on a multitude of diverse projects across Western Canada, followed by 6 years in Northern Alberta. Karen relocated to Prince George in 2019, working at Datoff Bros. Construction as a Project Manager.

Karen is on the Northern Regional Construction Association Board, and is sitting as Chair for the Women In Construction Committee.

Taylor Manhas | Safety Coordinator, Westcana Electric Inc.

​Taylor directs Westcana Electric's Health and Safety Department with her NCSO and GSC designation. Her career has grown to be heavily involved in Women in Trades, the Builders Code, Indigenous Development and Women in Leadership throughout British Columbia. Taylor’s passion for diversity and inclusivity within the construction field has skyrocketed Westcana to win multiple awards through the Builders Code as a leader for women in trades.

​Taylor also oversees Westcana’s Health and Wellness Program focusing on not only safety but mental health throughout the industry. ​She is currently on the Northern Committee for Minerva, and now a member of the committee for Women in Construction (NRCA). 

Lisa Scott | Electrician, Quesnel School District #28

Lisa is a Red Seal Journeywoman Electrician and began her career in trades in 2002. Currently, she is working for Quesnel School District #28, as an electrician. She’s very passionate about the trade, trades advocacy, and especially women in trades. She is a Regional Representative for the British Columbia Centre for Woman in the Trades (BCCWITT) and a board member for the College of New Caledonia. Lisa sits on the Contracting Out Committee, Negotiations Committee, Social Committee and Bursary Committee for the union CUPE local 4990. Most recently, she is on the Skilled Trades Committee for CUPE BC.

Lisa is very excited to be part of the Northern Regional Construction Association - Women in Construction Committee and looks forward to all of the amazing opportunities they will be able bring to the north and help more women get into industry. ​ 

Christine Burns | Regional Health & Safety Supervisor, Terus Construction Ltd.

Christine has held the position of Regional Safety Supervisor with Terus Construction since 2018. In this role, Christine is responsible for the supervision and ongoing support of workplace safety across the BC North Eastern region. Previously, Christine was a Safety Manager for RTL Westcan based out of Yellowknife and prior to that she worked in the oil and gas sector as a health and safety consultant for 2 years. Preceding that, Christine worked for ROG a sister company of Rokstad Power Corp, as a heavy equipment operator and health and safety advisor.
 
Christine started her young career in high rise construction in Vancouver and still maintains her love for building by constantly renovating in her free time. During her time with Terus Construction Christine has completed her OH & S Diploma and completed her utility arborist journeyman ticket.

Bev Collins 

Bev‘s background is in vacuum scientific and semiconductor technology. She was in sales and management for many years. She opened her own vacuum scientific company as a sales agent for Canadian, and International suppliers. Bev relocated to Nelson, BC, where she was involved in contracts in forestry, women’s issues and became a recruiter for small business.

​Bev later joined RSC Equipment rentals and handled their outside sales for construction equipment throughout Northern BC. She has spent years working in employment counselling, facilitating and job coaching and was a director of the PG Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Bev was working as the Regional Employment Placement Specialist for the BC Construction Association and the STEP Program.