Skills for Change Awarded Uplift Fund to Support Women in Skilled Trades!

Skills for Change is proud to be one of 11 organizations selected to receive funding through Toronto Pearson’s $1.57 million Uplift Fund, an initiative aimed at building a stronger workforce and expanding access to construction skilled trades across Mississauga, Brampton, and Etobicoke. 

The Uplift Fund will support over 2,000 local residents through job placements, skills training, and career coaching, with a focus on removing barriers to meaningful employment and supporting the region’s long-term economic growth. 

With this generous support, Skills for Change is launching the Women in Skilled Trades (WiST) – GTAA program. This initiative will empower newcomer and racialized women pursuing careers in Red Seal trades across the Peel and Greater Toronto Area, addressing the need for inclusive, community-based support in the skilled trades, particularly within the growing green economy. 

The program will offer; 12 hands-on workshops across the Peel region, Leadership development and mentorship, Mental health support, Green trades education, Direct connections to industry experts and employers. 

We’re excited to contribute to a more inclusive and future-ready workforce and grateful to Toronto Pearson and the Uplift Fund team for helping make this work possible.