Women in Trades: How BITR & YWCA Are Changing the Painting Industry

In 2020, Brightest In The Room made history by becoming the only painting company in Canada to establish a direct hiring partnership with the YWCA Women in Trades program. This partnership continues to transform both our company and the lives of the women who join our team.

The YWCA Women in Trades Program

The YWCA runs one of Canada’s most respected pre-apprenticeship programs for women entering the skilled trades. Participants receive hands-on technical training, safety certifications, and job coaching — all designed to prepare them for successful careers in industries where women have been historically underrepresented.

At BITR, we do not just support this program from a distance. We hire directly from it. When our crew shows up to your home or office, you are seeing the results of a program that turns potential into expertise.

Why This Partnership Matters

The painting and construction trades remain heavily male-dominated. Women make up less than 5% of workers in Canada’s skilled trades. By actively recruiting from the YWCA program, BITR is helping to change those numbers — one project at a time.

Every woman on our crew is:

• Professionally trained through YWCA’s rigorous program
• Health & Safety certified to Canadian standards
• Working at Heights certified for any project type
• WSIB/WHMIS compliant with full workplace insurance

The BITR Difference

Our unique hiring approach creates a team dynamic that our clients consistently praise. The professionalism, attention to detail, and pride that our crew brings to every project is evident in our 5.0 Google rating across 500+ completed projects.

As Akiel Rouse, BITR’s founder, puts it: our commitment extends beyond the application of paint. It is about crafting environments that leave a lasting impression, while creating real opportunities for people who deserve them.

Impact Beyond Paint

Since launching the YWCA partnership in 2020, we have:

• Provided employment opportunities to women entering the trades
• Completed 500+ residential and commercial projects across Toronto and Vancouver
• Earned certified vendor status with the University of Toronto and York University
• Built a reputation as one of Canada’s most innovative painting companies

Hiring BITR Means Supporting Change

Every project you book with Brightest In The Room directly supports our mission of inclusive employment. You get premium Benjamin Moore paints, transparent pricing, and a crew that takes genuine pride in their craft — backed by $4 Million in liability insurance and a satisfaction guarantee.

Ready to see the difference? Get your free estimate at brightestintheroom.com/quote or call (437) 219-0876.