Ontario Construction News staff writer
YWCA Toronto says it has launched the “Women in Trades and Technology (WiTT) app” and made it available in the iOS App Store and Google Play.
By next year, one in five new jobs in Ontario will be in trades-related occupations, the YMCA said in a statement last Wedneday. “Most of these jobs, however, will go to men. To help women gain access, YWCA Toronto, with generous funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, has created a new tool that promotes gender equity in the information technology and skilled trades sectors,” the statement says.
The WiTT app brings together graduates from YWCA Toronto’s skilled trades programs, community members, employers and industry professionals to support women’s entry in technology and trades. “YWCA Toronto is committed to enhancing women’s representation in diverse occupations and building community capacity,” the organization says.
“The WiTT app is a great example of the success of YWCA Toronto’s programming as it was designed and developed by graduates of the iOS & Android Mobile Application Developer program. YWCA Toronto is grateful to the Ministry’s Office of Women’s Issues for funding the app’s development,” the YMCA said.
“Our government knows how important it is to support more women to enter and stay in male-dominated fields like trades and technology,” says Jill Dunlop, associate mdinister of children and women’s Issues. “This app is just one way to further empower women in every sector of our economy, and I look forward to seeing this online community flourish.”
Delores Montavez-Ruz, YWCA Toronto’s employment and training manager, said: “Developing the WiTT app was a labour of love, as much as it was a commitment to community development. We are so happy to be able to share it widely. We think WiTT will really make an impact for women in the information technology and skilled trades environments.”
App users will find access to news, job postings, inspiring stories, and event announcements, the statement says.