Veteran Electrician Urges Canadians to Support Education, Mentorship, and Equal Opportunity in the Trades
Ontario, Canada, 28th October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Red Seal–certified electrician Tania-Joy Bartlett is calling on Canadians to take action in building more inclusive, respectful, and confident workplaces across the skilled trades. After more than a decade working as an Electrician, Bartlett is using her experience to encourage others—especially women and young people—to pursue trades careers with purpose and courage.
“Being a woman in the trades means proving yourself every single day,” Bartlett says. “You can’t always change people’s bias overnight, but you can outwork it. You can learn more, train harder, and lead by example.”
Across Canada, women make up less than 5% of construction and electrical trades workers, according to Statistics Canada (2024). Bartlett believes that number will only grow if communities focus on mentorship, safety, and confidence-building programs—not just hiring quotas.
“When I speak at schools, I meet students who never imagined themselves in this kind of work,” she says. “But when they see someone who looks like them wiring a control panel or managing a crew, it changes what they think is possible.”
Bartlett’s message goes beyond gender. Her advocacy centers on building respect for all tradespeople, improving safety culture, and creating workplaces where every skill is valued. Having earned more than 25 community awards, including recognition from Junior Achievement for youth mentorship, she continues to show that leadership can come from the ground up.
“I tell apprentices, ‘Don’t fake confidence—earn it,’” she explains. “It starts with preparation. Learn your craft, ask questions, and hold yourself to a standard that no one else can take away from you.”
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. When she wasn’t accepted at a past employer, she built her own contracting company that prioritized equality and safety. Though the business eventually closed, Bartlett says the lessons from that experience became the foundation for her next chapter.
“That time tested me,” she says. “It taught me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about responsibility. Even when things fall apart, you can rebuild stronger.”
Bartlett’s call to action is simple: help change the conversation. She encourages individuals, schools, and companies to take three small but meaningful steps:
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Share stories of tradespeople in your community to challenge old stereotypes.
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Support mentorship by volunteering with local youth or trade awareness programs.
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Invest in education, whether through continuing courses, scholarships, or safety training.
“Success isn’t about proving yourself anymore,” Bartlett says. “It’s about peace of mind—knowing you’ve done your best and that others feel safe and respected working beside you.”
She hopes that by telling her story, others will find the courage to take their own first step—whether that’s picking up a new tool, taking a certification course, or simply believing they belong.
“Fear means you care,” she adds. “But you can’t wait until you feel ready. Start now. Learn one thing today that gets you closer to where you want to be.”
To support inclusive trade education and mentorship in your community, consider volunteering with programs like Junior Achievement Canada, Skills Ontario, or your local trade apprenticeship network. Change starts with awareness—but it lasts through action.
About Tania-Joy Bartlett
Tania-Joy Bartlett is a 309A Construction and Maintenance Electrician with Ontario Power Generation. Based in Omemee, Ontario, she holds multiple safety and leadership certifications and has received over 25 awards for her volunteer and advocacy work promoting equality in the trades. She regularly mentors apprentices and speaks to schools about confidence, education, and opportunity in skilled professions.
