Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is investing up to $750,000 over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program to provide skilled trades training for low-income, Francophone women in Sudbury. Funding will go to the Heavy Equipment Technician pre-apprenticeship training program at Collège Boréal.
It’s part of a $26.7 million commitment for 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women, helping them gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to find a job, start a business, and achieve financial independence.
“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”
The program offers training in four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also include additional supports such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support finding childcare.
Women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence can also access wraparound supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counselling, housing, and legal support.
Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women.
“Ontario is taking a government-wide approach to address and prevent gender-based violence and support women’s economic empowerment,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Through the Women’s Economic Security Program, we are helping women access in-demand careers, achieve financial independence and succeed in sectors that are vital to the economy.”
Since 2018, the Women’s Economic Security Program has helped more than 2,600 women secure employment, become entrepreneurs, or pursue further training and education. This includes 237 jobs in the skilled trades.
“Thanks to our quality programs and personalized guidance, this funding will enable women in our region to gain practical skills in skilled trades traditionally occupied by men,” said Paulette Bonin, vice-president academic, Collège Boréal. “At a time when labour shortages are affecting these trades, this financial contribution directly helps increase the number of available professionals in high-demand fields.
“It aligns with Boréal’s commitment to enhancing the presence of women and underrepresented groups at all levels of our society.”