Connected Women – A National Mentorship Program for Women

Funding for the Connected Women project was announced by the Honourable Kellie Leith, Minister of Status of Women and Minister of Labour on April 24th, 2015. Building on recommendations from the Bridigng the Gap (BTG) research released in 2014, this project will see EHRC, in partnership with Algonquin College and industry employers, develop and implement a national mentorship program designed for women who are studying to enter or already working in technical and/or trades occupations in the electricity and renewables sector. Project partners include representatives from Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation, Manitoba Hydro, Hydro Ottawa, PWU, Women in Nuclear-Canada, IBEW, University of Toronto, WESCO, and Electrofederation.

Throughout the BTG research women indicated that mentorship and sponsorship is critical for the successful recruitment and retention of women in the sector. Many women noted that it was the support and interest that key individuals (both male and female) showed to them during their initiation into the sector that allowed them to adapt and gain confidence in their new roles. These women suggested that without the help of mentors, they have would not have stayed within the sector. To read the final Bridging the Gap report and view the project deliverables, visit http://electricityhr.ca/bridgingthegap/.

If you would like to participate in the Connected Women project or for more information, please visit http://electricityhr.ca/our-works/projects-programmes/connected-women/.

To hear EHRC Michelle Branigan speak to the project listen to the CFRA Radio interview here:
http://bit.ly/1QKeygw

To see the CBC interview with EHRC, Hydro Ottawa, and Algonquin College program participants, go to: http://electricityhr.ca/industry-news/