|

First Cohort of the National Leadership Development Program for Women in the Skilled Trades Underway

EIN CAF FCA 400

September 16, 2022

The inaugural cohort of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF-FCA) National Leadership Program for Women in Skilled Trades is underway after an enthusiastic application period. Eighteen apprentice tradeswomen will be the first participants in the program developed and administered in partnership with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA). Due to the high level of interest, the partners will fund an additional cohort at no cost to tradeswomen which will start in February. CAF-FCA and OAWA will work with industry, trades unions, government, and training institutions to support future development and administration costs of the program.

Guided by subject matter experts, participants will learn effective strategies and gain practical tips to empower them as leaders in their skilled trades workplaces and the broader community. Modules included in the program are Principles of Leadership, Communicating with Confidence, Teamwork, Mentoring and Conflict Resolution, Supervisory and Management Skills and Mental Health and Well-Being. Participants will complete the program online through a learning management system allowing for self-paced learning and an interactive forum with facilitators and
tradeswomen coaches.

Background
Women are marginalized in skilled trades workplaces and experience barriers. Female apprentices report more difficulty finding employer sponsors and have lower apprenticeship completion rates than males (Prism, 2021). As a result, non-completing women cannot access the high paying, full-time work associated with certification in the trades. A positive work environment and support from peers are key to program retention but in the absence of these women apprentices report poorer mental health than male apprentices (CAF-FCA, 2020) contributing to a lack of confidence and sense of isolation. Many women apprentices and journeypersons have limited access to leadership training or development opportunities for self advocacy, public speaking, conflict resolution and mentoring.

For more information, contact: Emily Arrowsmith, Director of Research and Programs: emily@caf-fca.org.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • ABB Acquires Bel Products Inc. to Expand Enclosures Portfolio in North America

    ABB Acquires Bel Products Inc. to Expand Enclosures Portfolio in North America

    June 3, 2025 ABB Electrification Canada Inc. announced it has completed its acquisition of Bel Products Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of commercial, industrial and custom-made enclosures. This acquisition enhances ABB’s market presence in Canada and the U.S., expanding its product portfolio and enabling the company to leverage its manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain capabilities to better meet growing customer demand. The financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The enclosures market is experiencing strong growth, fueled… Read More…

  • WAGO Now Available at Vanco Electrical Solutions

    WAGO Now Available at Vanco Electrical Solutions

    June 2 2025 Vanco Electrical Solutions are excited to announce that Vanco Electrical Solutions has partnered with WAGO, making their full line of innovative spring‑pressure connection and automation products available online at vancoelectrical.com. From their groundbreaking Push‑in CAGE CLAMP® technology to flexible I/O systems, WAGO has built a reputation for reliability and ease of use across… Read More…

  • Sonepar Announces the Appointment of Rob Thibeault to President of Robertson Electric

    Sonepar Announces the Appointment of Rob Thibeault to President of Robertson Electric

    June 2, 2025 Sonepar is pleased to announce the promotion of Rob Thibeault to President Robertson Electric effective June 2, 2025. Rob joined Robertson in 2017, bringing with him extensive experience in retail and marketing. Rob’s skill and dedication quickly saw him taking on additional responsibilities in operations, pricing, and analytics. Demonstrating a keen understanding… Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Phill Picassinos as New Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA

    Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Phill Picassinos as New Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA

    June 2, 2025 Hammond Power Solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Phill Picassinos as the Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA, Ontario. Phill will lead HPS’ sales efforts in the Eastern GTA, focusing on strengthening customer relationships and implementing regional strategies that align with national sales objectives. “Phill brings a wealth of experience… Read More…