February 12, 2024

Women in Skilled Trades (WiST), a transformative initiative by Skills for Change (SfC), is excited to announce two upcoming events aimed at empowering immigrant and racialized women through access to skilled trades. These events are part of a broader effort to address the significant need for diversification in the skilled trades sector, where women, especially those from immigrant and racialized backgrounds, are underrepresented.

The first event, a Trades Expo and Networking Event, will take place in Toronto on March 21st, 2024, at St. James Cathedral Centre. The event will bring together 50+ employers, community partners, trades schools and unions to meet with over 100 women who are in the skilled trades sector or aspiring to become a tradesperson. This will be followed by a similar event in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the coming months. Both events will offer attendees the opportunity to explore careers in trades, engage in networking with industry professionals, and participate in workshops and seminars designed to empower and educate.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, WiST, through its comprehensive program, supports the federal government's infrastructure plan by addressing the predicted increase in demand for skilled tradespeople and the significant number of retirements expected in the sector by 2028. By focusing on the empowerment of immigrant and racialized women, WiST aims to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Skills for Change CEO, Surranna Sandy states, "Our initiative is not only about addressing the current skills gap in the trades but also about breaking down the barriers that immigrant and racialized women face. These upcoming events are a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive pathways to apprenticeship and empowering women to thrive in skilled trades."

Attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights into the trades sector, connect with potential employers, and learn about the resources and support available through WiST and its partners.

To learn more about the Women in Skilled Trades program or to register for the upcoming events, please visit https://skillsforchange.org/wist.

About Women in Skilled Trades (WiST)

Women in Skilled Trades (WiST) is an initiative by Skills for Change, aimed at empowering immigrant and racialized women through access to skilled trades. WiST provides leadership training, mentorship, and support to help women build holistic pathways to employment in trades and increase retention in the early stages of their careers.

About Skills for Change

Founded in 1982, Skills for Change is a leading non-profit organization serving immigrants, refugees and underserved communities in Canada. Skills for Change is known for pioneering programs that respond to shifting trends. Our Agency has played a major role in uplifting immigrant, refugee and underserved communities for 41 years. We offer more than 25 programs and services, and annually serve 20,000+ people, including newcomers, immigrants, refugees, women, seniors, youth, Black Canadians and members of LGBTQ+ community with services in settlement, language training, employment, career development, mental health, leadership, entrepreneurship, climate change and more. SfC’s programs are designed through a social justice lens and delivered with the intent to balance inequities, engage the unengaged, and serve the underserved. Program delivery allows for specialized frameworks for clients who face intersectional barriers.

For media inquiries, please contact: Sampada Kukade, VP, Corporate Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, skukade@skillsforchange.org. 647-293-4445.