New funds to train 6,400 women in high-demand sectors
The government has made a significant investment to meet growing demand for skilled tradespeople, sparked by a surge in housing construction projects across Canada. The initiative is set to inject more than $28.9 million into training and supporting around 6,400 women to join the skilled trades workforce over the next four years.
This investment targets 15 projects under the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, as announced by Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault on International Women’s Day. It aims to boost the number of women apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades that are crucial to the construction and manufacturing industries.
“Women are vastly underrepresented in the skilled trades–and it isn’t due to a lack of interest. We need to inform and provide opportunities to women across the country - to bring new skillsets, creativity and diversity into our workforce,” Boissonnault said.
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One standout project receiving more than $1.5 million is the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society’s Immigrant Women Trades Apprenticeship project. This initiative is dedicated to helping 120 newcomer women from equity-deserving groups in British Columbia secure stable and rewarding careers in carpentry, construction, and other trades.
“Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society is excited to provide participants with specific training that leads to technical skills, certification and practical experience that employers in the trades sector are looking for. This program supports women to achieve their trades-certification goals and gain the practical skills required to excel in their future careers,” PICS president Satbir Singh Cheema said.
Every year, Canada invests nearly $1 billion in supports for apprenticeships, including grants, loans, and tax credits, to cultivate a more skilled, diverse, and effective workforce, crucial for industries like housing.
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