Build a Dream, which supports women in the skilled trades, is getting more than $2.3-million in funding to recruit more women to Red Seal trades and keep those already working in those jobs in their careers.
The 39 Red Seal trades are predominantly in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk and the President and Founder of Build a Dream, Nour Hachem-Fawaz, made the announcement in Windsor on Tuesday morning.
The money will help support women in Windsor-Essex and across Canada.
"To meet the demand for skilled workers for our region and for Canada, all partners will need to roll up their sleeves and empower those who are traditionally underrepresented in the skilled trades and STEM," said Kusmierczyk. "This endeavour necessitates a collective effort in dismantling systemic barriers that have hindered women from pursuing and excelling in fulfilling professions. The scarcity of skilled workers and the underrepresentation of women in this industry are pressing economic concerns."
Build a Dream hopes to address the challenges women face in male-dominated trades.
"Establishing a safe and inclusive environment for women to thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging is not only a moral imperative but also a catalyst for fostering diversity of thought and driving innovation," said Hachem-Fawaz. "By breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities, we empower women to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which in turn enriches our industries and fuels creative solutions to complex challenges."
The nationwide strategy will first provide tradeswomen with a career coach, helping them navigate opportunities for growth in their careers.
Secondly, it will organize a national leadership conference bringing women together to develop leadership, project management, and public speaking skills.
Employment and Social Development Canada will conduct a research project analyzing the case for changing mandatory shift work and ensuring safe and inclusive workplaces. The results will be included in a white paper.
Finally, the strategy emphasizes the importance of community resources, tools, emergency funds, and networks for tradeswomen.
