BC Gov News

If we want a strong and vibrant economic future, then it’s key that strong and vibrant women help drive it. And a great opportunity for women to help drive the economy is through careers in the skilled trades.

B.C. is looking at a million job openings between now and 2022, two-thirds of these driven by retirements. With 44% of the million jobs in the skilled trades and technical occupations, it’s a great time for a hands-on career.

Though not traditionally thought of as a career path for women, the skilled trades offer the possibility of rich, rewarding careers. In fact growing numbers of women are taking up the challenge of the trades and the benefits they bring - job satisfaction and great pay. About 10.5% of all apprentices in British Columbia are women, up from 8.5% in 2009.

Right now across British Columbia, barriers are coming down and opportunities are on the rise for women of all backgrounds who want to pursue careers as welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators and plumbers - just to name a few.

Government is working closely with organizations like the Industry Training Authority to support programs like Women in Trades Training (WITT) so women across B.C. can access trades training, as well as vital financial assistance for things like tools, textbooks, equipment and childcare while they complete their education. To date more than 2,500 women have benefitted from the ITA’s Women in Trades Training program.

B.C. is committed to leveraging the creativity, leadership and innovation that women bring our economic equation, because this is the path to creating long-term, well-paying jobs that strengthen B.C.’s families and communities.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“There has never been a better time for women to consider a career in the trades. We are facing incredible economic opportunities and preparing for unprecedented demand for skilled labour over the next decade. Programs like the Women in Trades Training Program provide women with the support and resources they need to be successful if they choose to pursue a career in the trades.”

Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education -

“Recently I had the opportunity to meet many women studying the trades at campuses throughout B.C. These students are smart, driven and passionate about their studies. I encourage parents and women to learn more about trades training in the province, and how women can have a challenging and rewarding career that will last them a lifetime.”

Gary Herman, chief executive officer, Industry Training Authority -

“The Women in Trades Training initiative is full of success stories. It is wonderful to see women entering the trades at various stages along their career paths - be it their first choice for a career or a change in careers. I am inspired by the women who have recognized the value that a career in the skilled trades can provide.”

Learn More at:

Trades Discovery Programs for Women:

BC Institute of Technology: http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/1190acert

Camosun College: http://camosun.ca/learn/school/trades-technology/community-partnerships/women-in-trades.html

Okanagan College: http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Page19415.aspx

Thompson Rivers University: http://www.tru.ca/trades/programs/women-in-trades.html

Other WITT Program Service Providers:

BC Construction Association (BCCA): http://www.stepbc.ca/about/programs

Tradeworks Training Society: http://tradeworks.bc.ca

UA Piping Industry College (UAPIC): http://www.uapicbc.ca

Vancouver Island University: http://pr.viu.ca/trades/docs/aittwitt.pdf

Other: