Ontario Construction News staff writer
The inaugural cohort of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF-FCA) National Leadership Program for Women in Skilled Trades is underway after an “enthusiastic” application period.
In the first round, 18 apprentice tradeswomen will participate in the program developed and administered in partnership with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA).
Due to the level of interest, the partners decided to fund a second group at no cost to tradeswomen in February 2023. CAF-FCA and OAWA will work with industry, trades unions, government, and training institutions to support future development and administration costs of the program.
Participants will learn effective strategies and gain practical tips to empower them as leaders in their skilled trades workplaces and the broader community.
Modules include:
- Principles of Leadership
- Communicating with Confidence
- Teamwork
- Mentoring and Conflict Resolution
- Supervisory and Management Skills
- Mental Health and Well-Being
Participants will complete the program online through a learning management system allowing for self-paced learning and an interactive forum with facilitators and tradeswomen coaches.
The CAF is a non-profit organization that connects Canada’s apprenticeship community. The Office to Advance Women Apprentices (Newfoundland and Labrador) was established in 2009 with funding from the NL government, with a mandate of increasing employment opportunities for women in the skilled trades.