The Government of British Columbia has announced $1.8 million for the Women in Trades Training (WITT) initiative through the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to help support women to get the skills and training they need to start a career in the trades.
While there are more and more women pursuing trades careers in British Columbia, the percentage of male journeymen is still significantly higher than females. With the addition of nearly one million job openings expected in the province by 2024, women will play an increasingly important role in keeping B.C.’s economy diverse, strong and growing.
Through the Women in Trades Training Initiative, the Industry Training Authority is working with Camosun College, Okanagan College, Thompson Rivers University, and the Trades Training Society to deliver programs specifically designed to help women kick start their trades careers.
“If we want a strong and vibrant economic future, then it is key that strong and vibrant women help drive it,” Premier Christy Clark said. “A great opportunity for women to help drive the economy is through careers in the skilled trades. And the Women in Trades Training
initiative will help give women the support and training they need to succeed.”
Quick Facts:
* Since 2008-09, the Women in Trades Training (WITT) program has served more than 3,000 women.
* There are approximately 4,200 registered women apprentices in the province across 72 different trades.
* The percentage of women who are registered apprentices in BC is at 10.4%, up from 8.5% in 2009.
* B.C. will have nearly one million job openings by 2024, due to retirements and economic growth.
* Almost 8 out of 10 of these job openings will require post-secondary education or trades training.
