Women Building Futures expands women-focused trades training to Ontario and Saskatchewan

Published On
March 21, 2024

Women Building Futures will provide more training opportunities for women in Ontario and Saskatchewan through a project funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy under the Women and Skilled Trades Initiative.

Women Building Futures has received $2.6 million in funding, so the Alberta-headquartered non-profit can provide more opportunities for unemployed and underemployed women in Ontario and Saskatchewan to pursue and sustain resilient careers in the skilled trades.

“If we are going to build enough housing for Canada’s middle class, we have to develop our workforce to match those needs,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “Today’s investment places the focus on providing opportunities and information on skilled trades positions – so that all Canadians have access to high-paying positions and communities with the resources they need to succeed.”

Carol Moen, president and CEO of Women Building Futures, emphasizes the significance of this investment in helping more women into careers in the skilled trades.

“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.”

As Women Building Futures expands, its focus is on building strategic partnerships with governments, industry, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and Indigenous communities and organizations. These partnerships increase opportunities and support for women to enter and stay in the skilled trades while removing some of the barriers to their success by:

The work of Women Building Futures extends beyond preparing women for industry and also involves getting industry ready for women. By building partnerships with employer partners through its program, the non-profit establishes a strong network of employers who will be instrumental in driving more inclusive workplaces for women, supporting their long-term success. Its workforce inclusion efforts among employer partners helps organizations nurture safe and equitable workplaces, assisting them on their diversity, equity and inclusion journeys.

“This contribution will help Women Building Futures break down barriers for unemployed and underemployed women seeking careers in the skilled trades. We look forward to expanding our support to women in Ontario and Saskatchewan, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers and building connections with industry partners in those provinces that are committed to safe, equitable workplaces for women,” Moen says.

 

The Women Building Futures’ Journey to Trades – Attracting and Retaining Women in the Red Seal Trades project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy – Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative.