36 women will participate in 3-year training program
To address the labour shortage in skilled trades, the Prince Edward Island government has launched a new program to help women in the province receive training and employment in trades and technology.
“Canada is facing a labour shortage in skilled trades and the Trade HERizons program is encouraging more women to enter trades-training programs. This project will promote non-traditional trades as viable career options for women,” said Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allan Campbell.
The pilot project will provide trades training for 36 women over three years. Participants will complete a 14-week college-readiness program from February to May and then enter a trades-training program of their choice in the fall.
The program will also help the women find jobs after the training is complete.
“I was pleased there was a strong response from women interested in acquiring skills in trades and technology,” said Campbell. “This is an excellent opportunity for women to gain employment in sectors that offer highly-skilled jobs with good salaries.”
A similar project had great success in Nova Scotia over the past three years, with a retention rate of 96 per cent for the 102 participants enrolled, attributed to the built-in supports the women received.
