News

“The industry is constantly evolving, and it will grow to be what we all are going to make it.” – Jacqueline Doucet, P.Eng.

According to Engineers Canada, only 18% of working engineers licensed in Canada are women. Women have faced significant obstacles in STEM careers and continue to be under-represented.

Engineers Canada has a goal of 30% female representation in the Canadian engineering field by 2030, stating “Thirty percent is universally understood as the tipping point for sustainable change. Reaching 30 by 30 will tap into the entire engineering talent pool as more and more women continue to enter the profession.”

A paper from Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters entitled, “Attracting and engaging women in Canadian manufacturing,” says that women represent a vast and relatively untapped resource that offers a solution to the problem of “chronic labour and skills shortages” in Canadian manufacturing. Demand for 100K engineers over the next ten years in Canada names female engineers as a key factor in addressing a skills gap, expanding economy, and retiring workforce.

Cleland Jardine believes in being part of the solution to create a professional work environment where diversity and equity are celebrated. We continue to support an open environment where women can thrive in their careers regardless of who they are or where they come from.

One of our CJE team members, Jacqueline Doucet, P.Eng. started her first co-op term with us in 2009, and a lot has changed since then. Jackie says, “Some changes are small, my first pair of steel toes were a men’s size 6 because they didn’t have women’s sizes available in boots that weren’t pink.”

Some changes are much bigger. “One thing I’ve noticed emerging lately is that the definition of “professional” is broadening beyond the old-boys clubhouse rules. The freedom to be authentic and professional at the same time is something I don’t take for granted.”

Jackie shares some of her advice and experience stating, “My advice for young people is don’t let preconceived notions of the “type of person” who does this job get in the way. The industry is constantly evolving, and it will grow to be what we all are going to make it.”