October 28, 2015
Manitoba Government Supporting Women Journeypersons in the Trades to Become Educators
– – –Program Supports 10 Manitoba Women to Become Teachers of Vocational Programming: Minister Chief
Ten Manitoba women who are leaders in the trades are becoming qualified instructors who can share their knowledge with the next generation of students, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today.
“Some of our best role models will show young women the opportunities waiting for them with this program, and provide them with the skills and tools to succeed,” said Minister Chief. “A career in the trades means a chance for them to earn a good living for themselves and their families and a chance to give back in their hometowns and neighbourhoods.”
The 10 women are receiving a combined $55,000 in funding from the Manitoba government to complete the technical vocational teacher education diploma at Red River College. Five of these journeypersons are completing an accelerated one-year program at Red River College and five are completing the program through part-time study.
“Red River College continues to play a central role in building capacity and driving our economy in Manitoba,” said Paul Vogt, president and chief executive officer, Red River College. “I am very proud that Red River College could demonstrate its leadership on this initiative, so we can help create pathways to success that will continue to encourage women to enter into many meaningful and rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”
Women participating in the program include an automotive service technician, cabinetmaker, construction electrician, cook, heavy-duty equipment technician, industrial mechanic, motor-vehicle body repairer (metal and paint) and three welders.
“We need women to do well in non-traditional trades if we want Manitoba’s economy to continue to be one of the fastest growing in Canada,” said Minister Chief. “Our construction industry alone needs more than 12,000 new tradespeople in the next 10 years. The opportunities to start an incredible new career have never been better.”
The initiative is a response to recommendations by the Apprenticeship and Certification Board following the 2014 forum Building Bridges: Increasing Women in the Trades, the minister noted. Apprenticeship Manitoba organized the forum, with the participation of female apprentices, journeypersons, employers, training institutions, industry associations, members of the board, and government representatives.
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