A new program funded by the Province will help Prince Edward Island women receive training and employment in trades and technology, says Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is working closely with industry and post-secondary institutions to strengthen our workforce,” said Minister Campbell. “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.”
Trade HERizons is a pilot project being administered by Women’s Network PEI that will provide training for 36 women over three years. The project’s goals are to provide women with the opportunity to upgrade their skills through trades training and find employment in their area of study.
Participants will complete a 14-week college-readiness program from February to May, and then will enter a trades-training program of their choice in the fall. The program will also help the women find work after their training is complete.
“I was pleased there was a strong response from women interested in acquiring skills in trades and technology,” said Minister 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% for the 102 participants enrolled, attributed to the built-in supports that women received.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the province on this project,” says Women’s Network PEI project manager Sara Roach-Lewis. “We hope Trade HERizons will bring positive changes to women and their families as they access supports to well-paying jobs on PEI.”
For information on the program, contact Sara Roach-Lewis at (902) 368-5040 or sara@wnpei.org.