Sherry Holmes on Her Construction Journey

In celebration of Women in Construction Week, I thought I’d share my construction journey.  People often assume I was born knowing I’d work in construction. When your last name is Holmes and your dad is Mike Holmes, it seems inevitable, right? But the truth is, I didn’t grow up thinking, “I’m going to be a contractor.” I grew up watching. Listening. Learning. And trying to figure out where I fit in.

 

 

As a kid, job sites were part of my normal. I saw the pride that came with doing things properly and the frustration when they weren’t done right. But stepping onto a site myself, was a completely different experience. I remember feeling nervous and I didn’t want to be there because of who my dad was; I wanted to earn my place. I wanted to create my own path in construction.

The Turning Point in My Construction Journey

 

One of the turning points for me was travelling to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild a home. That was the first time I truly felt the weight and the impact of what we do. Construction isn’t just about lumber and nails — it’s about safety, stability, and dignity. It’s about giving people a place to feel safe and secure. That experience changed me. It made the work personal.

Over time, I became more involved in our projects and shows — from Holmes Makes It Right to Holmes: Next Generation and Holmes Family Rescue. Being on camera wasn’t something that came naturally to me. I was shy and I doubted myself. But I realized that if sharing my experience could inspire even one young woman to consider the trades, it was worth stepping outside my comfort zone.

 

RELATED: Why Residential Construction Is Struggling to Attract the Next Generation

Inspiring the Next Generation

 

That’s one of the reasons working on Holmes Family Effect meant so much to me. One project that really stuck with me was helping transform the skilled trades classrooms at Judith Nyman Secondary School. Walking through those halls and seeing students excited about building — especially young women — reminded me of how powerful early exposure can be. When you give someone the tools and the space to try, you give them confidence.

More recently, creating my digital series Summer Holmes has been another milestone. That project felt deeply personal. It allowed me to blend craftsmanship with creativity in a way that reflects who I am today — not just as a contractor, but as a woman who loves design, storytelling, and meaningful work. It showed me that there’s room in this industry for all of us to carve out our own path.

 

And mentoring has become a huge part of my construction journey. Through my work with Skills Canada and initiatives like Jill of All Trades, I’ve met incredible young women who are curious, capable, and ready to break barriers. I see so much of myself in them — the uncertainty, the determination, the quiet strength.

 

I tell them what I wish someone had told me early on:

There’s never been a better time for a woman to work in this industry.

The trades are evolving. There’s more technology, more opportunity, and more awareness than ever before. We need more women in the skilled trades, not just to fill gaps, but because diversity in the workforce makes job sites stronger. Different perspectives lead to better problem-solving. Different experiences build better teams.

 

Sherry’s Tips for Getting into Construction

If you’re considering a career in construction, here’s my advice:

Take opportunities, even if they scare you.
Some of my biggest growth moments came from saying yes when I felt unsure. Don’t shy away from challenges —embrace them. Each tough job, new skill, or unfamiliar tool is a stepping-stone to confidence and capability.

Find mentors and build your support system.
You don’t have to do this alone. Seek out people who will teach you, encourage you, and push you to be better. Mentorship has been vital in my journey — and there are so many people willing to help.

Be prepared to work hard — and to prove yourself.
You may walk onto sites where you’re the only woman. That can feel intimidating. But your work ethic, your skill, and your attitude will speak louder than anything else.

Believe in yourself.
There will always be moments of doubt or people who underestimate you. When that happens, remind yourself why you started — and keep going. The power of self confidence will get you through these moments of doubt.

There’s a Place for You

Construction has given me a career that’s dynamic, meaningful, and constantly surprising. From job sites to TV sets, from classrooms to digital audiences, I get to share a world that I believe with all my heart needs more women in it. There’s never been a better time to join. So if you’re thinking about getting into this industry, I say go for it. There’s a place for you — and we need you.

Keep learning, keep building, and keep showing up.

 

RELATED: Skills Canada National Competition 2025: Skilled Trades

 

READ NEXT

How Do We Solve The Skilled Trades Shortage in Canada?

 

Related Articles