EDMONTON, Jan. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - What comes to mind when you think of women in trades? Women Building Futures (WBF) wants it to be equal. Equally capable, equally needed, and one day, equally represented.
"It's time to highlight what women in trades are capable of; trades are a rewarding, well-paying career," said Jacqueline Andersen, Director of Industry Relations at WBF. "So in January we're running #itsherturn – a campaign to start a national conversation about women in trades."
Just under 6 per cent of Alberta workers in non-traditional trades are women. The numbers aren't any better on a national scale.
"Some women don't consider trades work because they learned growing up those jobs 'aren't for girls'," Andersen said. "Which is ridiculous, of course. If you have the aptitude, work ethic and drive, you can succeed in trades."
WBF has the alumni roster to prove it. They've graduated almost 1,500 from their industry-recognized pre-trades programs. About 80 per cent of WBF grads move on to first year apprenticeship, compared to 65 per cent of apprenticed women overall and 72 per cent of apprentices of all genders.
The purpose of #itsherturn is to show Canadian women what they're capable of – and that the industry values their talents.
"Show them they can be successful, show them there is a growing movement to hire them and show industry their value," Andersen said.
The public can support the campaign by telling their stories about women in trades on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #itsherturn, or adding a badge to their profile picture on social media here: http://twibbon.com/support/its-her-turn
Facility tours and alumni interviews are available.
About Women Building Futures
Women Building Futures (WBF) has become the go-to-place for women interested in a career in the skilled trades and for companies diversifying their workforce. WBF operates the first trades training facility of its kind in Canada for women. Located in Edmonton, the facility offers pre-trades training in trades ranging from welding and ironworking to carpentry and electrical.
SOURCE Women Building Futures
Jacqueline Andersen, Director, Industry Relations, 780-969-3965, [email protected]
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