Ontario Construction News staff writer
Women Building Futures (WBF) has announced funding of $2.6 million from the Government of Canada to expand its training programs to women in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
The new expansion will allow WBF to deliver training and development programs that are tailored to the needs of women seeking to enter or re-enter the skilled trades. The programs will focus on providing women with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a career in the trades, including targeted training and mentorship opportunities.
WBF also intends to use its funding to raise awareness of the opportunities for women in the skilled trades and to connect women apprentices with WBF graduates to ensure that they have access to the support and resources needed to be successful in their training and career progression.
The expansion of WBF programs is supported by the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy under the Women and Skilled Trades Initiative, which is committed to promoting and supporting women’s participation in the skilled trades.
Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, said in a statement: “Today’s investment places the focus on providing opportunities and information on skilled trades positions – so that all Canadian’s have access to high-paying positions and communities with the resources they need to succeed.”
Carol Moen, president and CEO of WBF, said: “Empowering women to thrive in the skilled trades is at the core of WBF’s mission. We recognize the need to eliminate barriers for women, enabling them to safely access effective pathways to economic security. We thank the Government of Canada for this critical investment and their trust in our model that continues to support women to secure resilient and thriving careers in the skilled trades.”
In addition to the funding announcement, WBF has also announced several new partnerships with industry and community organizations in Ontario and Saskatchewan. These partnerships will help to ensure that women have access to the training, resources, and support they need to succeed in the skilled trades.