Women in Skilled Trades (WiST)
Green Leadership Academy
About WiST Green Leadership Academy
The WiST: Green Leadership Academy is a free, intensive two-day leadership and career development program designed to support women apprentices in the skilled trades.
Through workshops, mentorship, and peer learning, participants will:
Strengthen their leadership capacity
Build confidence and communication skills
Explore new opportunities in Canada’s fast-growing green economy
This initiative is part of Skills for Change’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity and sustainability in the skilled trades sector.
Why Join?
Green Leadership
Learn how the net-zero transition is reshaping the skilled trades sector. Discover emerging green jobs, pathways for advancement, and the additional training or certifications that can help you stand out.
Career Advancement
Gain proven strategies for navigating your career as a woman in the trades—overcoming barriers, building confidence, and developing your personal brand.
Mentorship & Community
Connect with peers and mentors who share your experiences. Build a supportive network of women across Brampton, Mississauga, and Etobicoke.
Professional Development
Participate in interactive workshops focused on leadership, communication, and workplace resilience.
Wraparound Supports
Access one-on-one assistance for employment readiness, mentorship, and mental wellness.
Financial Supports
Receive an honorarium upon graduation plus transit or parking reimbursement to ensure equitable participation.
Program Details
Cohorts: 2 (up to 25 participants per cohort)
Location: Peel Region – Mississauga / Etobicoke / Brampton (venue to be confirmed)
Format: Two full days of in-person programming (November 2025)
Eligibility:
Identify as a woman apprentice in the skilled trades
Live or work in Brampton, Mississauga, or Etobicoke
Committed to professional growth, leadership development, and exploring green trades opportunities
Are you an Employer?
Invest in your workforce by enrolling your women-identifying apprentices in this high-value, no-cost professional development program.
Benefits for Employers:
Strengthen employee retention and engagement through leadership training and peer support.
Equip your team with knowledge of green trades and net-zero opportunities to remain competitive.
Support equity and inclusion by giving women apprentices access to mentorship and career navigation tools.
About Women in Skilled Trades (WiST)
Women in Skilled Trades (WiST) is a comprehensive program that includes a variety of activities aimed at promoting the value and role of women in the skilled trades. The program includes trade events in multiple locations across Canada, leadership academies for women, and research on needs related to entrance and retention of women in skilled trades and transitioning to sustainable trade practices.
Our Funders
Questions?
Contact us at trades@skillsforchange.org