Women Can Do It Too. They’re Already Doing It!

WEST continues to grow their women in skilled trades programs.

By Devan Mighton Photos by WEST Inc.

Since time immemorial, men have dominated the skilled trades—not with ability, but by social contract. Only a couple decades ago, to see a woman working a “dirty job” in a shop was like searching for an albino elephant—they might be out there, but good luck finding one. Old sexist tropes flew freely in the wind, while half the potential workforce was left out in the cold.

It wasn’t always this way. People like their action dramas and documentaries about World War II, don’t they? Epic films like Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal Jacket, classic shows like Band of Brothers and The Pacific. That may have been life in the European and Pacific Theatres, but the engine that kept the war machine running at home was skilled trades. With the men off at war, who worked the trades? A lot of women. Ever heard of Rosie the Riveter?

Those jobs, worked by thousands of women, disappeared after the war effort ended. However, slowly, over the past couple decades, women have progressively made their way back into the skilled trades.

In 1987, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST), a non-profit, community-based organization serving women in Windsor and Essex County, entered the local business scene. Their goal: to help women find work and develop and learn new skills. Also, to provide support to women new to the community, such as immigrants, with settlement and orientation in the region.

Making alliances with local businesses, community organizations, and individuals, WEST’s programs and services have grown exponentially over the years. Currently, they offer a wide range of specialized training programs to support women and their community, helping to fill gaps in the local labour market. One way they help is through their Women In Skilled Trades (WIST) programs.

“Participants have described our WIST programs as life-changing,” states WEST of Windsor Inc. executive director Rose Anguiano-Hurst. “Building on our strategic partnerships and organizational strengths, WEST has become a leader in offering WIST programs. [We have] helped 260 women gain training and skills to pursue careers in various skilled trades sectors.”

Recognizing shortages in the skilled trades labour pool, WEST sought an innovative way to empower women through training and skill enhancement, while also looking to fill the needs of local employers. With Windsor-Essex being a key manufacturing hub and considering the aging workforce, WEST has put a heavy focus on the skilled trades through their WIST programs. Partnering with industry leaders, labour leaders, and educators, WEST now offers programs to further the careers of women with apprenticeship opportunities leading to Red Seal designations.

“I recommend to any women out there who are looking to change their lives for the better and have the determination and motivation to see it through to go forward with this program,” said one participant in the WIST program. “It’s the best decision I have ever made.”

For the past nine years, WEST has provided their CNC Mechanical Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which is funded by the Province of Ontario, and in partnership with St. Clair College and Unifor Local 444. The program works to prepare and support women on their journey to find employment in this underrepresented field, while addressing economic issues women will face and help them enhance their skills to what is required to take the next step in their careers. In nine intake sessions for this WIST program, 200 women have received training so far.

Similarly, WEST also offers an Introduction to Craft Trades for Women program, funded by the provincial government and in partnership with LiUNA 625. In four intakes, 40 women have so far received training in this field.

Also, WEST recently delivered their first intake for their Electrical Pre-Ap- prenticeship Program. The program was a success as it helped train 20 women in its inaugural run. These women are now seeking careers in the electrical trade. WEST’s electrical program was offered in partnership with St. Clair College and Unifor Local 444.

“Acceptance into the WEST Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program provided me with the tools and experience necessary to succeed in gaining employment as an electrical apprentice,” said another WIST participant. “The WEST Program provided the financial and educational resources I wouldn’t have been able to obtain otherwise.

“Gaining a career in the skilled trades offers guaranteed employment in a high demand field. It teaches you humility and builds confidence. The impact of the WEST program provided a solid foundation which I now stand on to build a beautiful life.”

Having empowered 260 women with the skills to succeed in various skilled trade career routes, WEST continues to strive for innovative ways to break down gender barriers, while supporting local labour needs, and paving a path to success for the often-underrepresented women in the manufacturing and skilled trades sectors. W.E.