A structured and supportive journey
Coming from diverse backgrounds and professional realities, they are now embarking on a new stage of their lives by joining a structured program that will support them over a period of one to two years. Throughout this journey, they will benefit from training, guidance, integration with an employer, and ongoing follow-up.
This 360-degree support is at the heart of the F.I.C. program. It aims not only to integrate women into construction sites but, most importantly, to ensure their long-term retention and success. This pilot project is founded on a clear conviction: to foster a lasting presence of women in the industry, efforts must go far beyond recruitment.
A pioneering cohort
The first cohort, made up of about fifteen women, will play a key role in the future development of the program. It will help identify needs, refine practices, and deepen the understanding of challenges related to integration, industry change, and, above all, perseverance in this sector.
A rigorous recruitment process
The recruitment process was rigorous. Following extensive media coverage during the program’s launch, more than 250 women stepped forward to apply. After a demanding interview and assessment process, about fifteen women were selected to form the pilot cohort. This journey required sustained commitment and strong motivation. Only those who demonstrated genuine determination became part of this first cohort.
As Stéphanie Lévesque, Project Manager and Strategist of the F.I.C. program, emphasizes:
"This step was essential. It was crucial to ensure that the selected participants were ready and had personal and professional circumstances compatible with the demands of the construction sector. Early schedules, physical labor, relationships with authority, and site culture were addressed upfront to promote a realistic, conscious, and lasting integration."
A gradual immersion into the world of construction
The next stage of their journey will mark the beginning of their introduction to the world of construction. They will first learn the general fundamentals of the sector, followed by health and safety modules, including training on ergonomics and kinesiology—a first in the industry, yet essential, as these women will be working with their bodies.
A group session will help them better understand the construction ecosystem, before they undertake comprehensive training to obtain their APS card and gain access to the basic equipment and tools needed for their entry onto job sites.
An innovative and inclusive program
The F.I.C. program, driven by Les Elles de la construction, also ensures a pairing with partner companies that hold ESSI recognition, guaranteeing a healthy, safe, and inclusive environment. It is also noteworthy that some program participants will receive support throughout their DEP training, while others will enter through talent pools, depending on the path best suited to their profile.
According to Stéphanie Lévesque, “It will be valuable, using clear indicators, to analyze these two approaches in order to identify the key elements of successful integration into the construction industry. These specific cases will allow us to make recommendations and better guide future women who choose to build a career in this sector.”
With this first cohort, the F.I.C. program lays the foundation for concrete and lasting change. These women are not just participants—they are pioneers driving enduring transformation within the industry.
