Women In Electrical National Mentoring Program Endorsed
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC ) recently announced Connected Women ─ a national mentorship model for women seeking to enter or advance in the electricity and renewable energy industry. Funded by Status of Women Canada, the program will be piloted with graduates of Alqonquin College’s Women in Electrical Engineering Technology program (WEET).
Partners include Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, Manitoba Hydro and Hydro Ottawa, along with Women in Nuclear-Canada (WiN), International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW), Power Worker’s Union (PWU), University of Toronto, Electrofederation and WESCO.
Conception of the mentorship program originated from EHRC’s “Bridging the Gap” project, an initiative to increase female representation in the electricity industry. According to EHRC’s 2011 Power in Motion Report, women account for fewer than 5 percent of jobs in trades, and 25 percent of the total electricity industry workforce in Canada.
“Women will play a key role in the electricity sector’s ongoing success as it works to overcome significant labour market challenges in the years ahead. This Government of Canada funding will allow us to provide women with mentoring opportunities that will help them to advance within the industry, which will strengthen the electricity industry and prepare it to meet current and future demands.”Norm Fraser,Chair of the Board, Electricity Human Resources Canada
“Our mission at Algonquin is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong career success, and through this program women entering the electrical sector will build the connections they need to be even more successful. We are pleased to be a part of this pilot and want to thank the Status of Women in Canada and Electricity Human Resources Canada for their support of our students.”Cheryl Jensen,President, Algonquin College
About the Electricity Industry Mentorship Program
∙ Funding for this project was announced by Status of Women Canada, “Harper Government helps women advance in the electricity industry,” April 23, 2015.
∙ The program will result in research and tools that advances opportunities and support for women in the electricity sector.
∙ It will provide women the opportunity to receive guidance from women working in the industry. Defined processes will ensure that women have extra support, particularly when transitioning into the sector.
∙ The project will focus on models built for women, along with sustainable solutions. It will identify the most innovative and successful best practices, and apply these insights into development of the electricity model.
∙ Partners include Hydro One, Manitoba Hydro, Ontario Power Generation and Hydro Ottawa. Utility companies across the country, along with women who would like to be considered as mentors, are encouraged to participate by contacting EHRC.
