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MAKING AN IMPACT
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (CAWIC)
The membership of the CAWIC, a not-for-profit organization that started in 1982 in Toronto, has grown to about 200 current members comprising women employed in construction and related fields throughout Canada. It recently launched a western Canada branch.
Its mandate is to increase employment, awareness and development for all women during various stages of their careers in the construction industry. It works in partnership with individuals, foundations, the not-for-profit sector, governments and the private sector to empower girls and women to pursue more careers in construction.
As well as networking and fundraising events, courses and educational workshops, CAWIC provides several annual $1,500 bursaries for young women to study at postsecondary institutions that provide diploma or degree programs in construction-related disciplines. Visit cawic.ca to learn more.
WOMEN IN SKILLED TRADES (WIST )
The Enhanced General Carpentry for Women/Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program is offered by the Centre for Skills Development in Burlington in partnership with the Government of Ontario, the Canadian Women’s Foundation and RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario). Eligible women are provided with the tools and training required to launch a construction industry career through in-class and in-shop studies.
The program focuses on essential skills training and covers framing techniques, construction theory, roofing, door and window installation, drywall installation and repair, blueprint reading, finish carpentry, painting and interior finishes, stairs and flooring installation. Students also learn about Energy Star practices, the Ontario Building Code, and marketing and communications. The program also includes comprehensive construction safety training.
Conestoga College also offers a 34-week WIST PreApprenticeship Carpenter General certificate program to equip women to enter the trade of general carpentry with the basic skills required to secure a position as an apprentice.
