Women Building Futures forge initiatives with the help of federal funding

Women Building Futures will look to help women in the workforce after receiving federal funding through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, under the Women and Skilled Trades Initiative. 

The $2.6 million in funding will help the Alberta-based non-profit expand opportunities for unemployed and underemployed women to pursue careers in skilled trades in Saskatchewan.

Building strategic partnerships with government, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and Indigenous communities and organizations are the key aims of WBF. With these partnerships, they are working toward increasing opportunities and support for women to enter and build careers in skilled trade while also focusing on removing barriers. 

“If we are going to build enough housing for Canada’s middle class, we have to develop our workforce to match those needs,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages in a recent release, “Today’s investment places the focus on providing opportunities and information on skilled trades positions – so that all Canadians have access to high-paying positions and communities with the resources they need to succeed.” 

Other initiatives include providing readiness programs to help women build confidence to thrive in training programs and chosen careers. As well as connecting women apprentices with WBF graduates so they can remain in the trades. They also hope to support employers to make positive changes through workplace inclusion initiatives.

“We look forward to expanding our support to women in Saskatchewan and Ontario, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers and building connections with industry partners in those provinces that are committed to safe, equitable workplaces for women,” said Carol Moen, president and CEO of Women Building Futures.  

Recently WBF expanded their flagship trades program to Regina and they currently run the BHP Trades Readiness Program out of Saskatoon in partnership with the Jansen Potash project.